What statement reflects the understanding of adequate breathing by the EMT?

The statement indicating that normal and adequate breathing is specific to the patient and is determined by assessment is accurate. Each patient may exhibit different characteristics of breathing that can be influenced by various factors, including age, medical history, and underlying health conditions. As such, what is considered "normal" or "adequate" can vary significantly between individuals.

Assessing breathing involves evaluating not just the rate, but also the depth, rhythm, and effort of breathing. It’s essential to look at the whole clinical picture, rather than relying solely on one aspect like breathing rate. For example, a patient may have a normal breathing rate but show signs of respiratory distress or inadequate ventilation if their breathing is shallow or labored. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment allows the EMT to determine if a patient's breathing is indeed adequate for their specific situation.

The other statements, while they might contain elements of truth, do not capture the complete understanding required for assessing adequate breathing. Simply stating that breathing should be continuous or that effort should not be required overlooks the variability between patients, and focusing on breathing rate alone does not account for other important factors such as the quality and effectiveness of each breath.