What type of breathing should be administered if a victim is not breathing?

When a victim is not breathing, administering rescue breathing is appropriate because it directly addresses the absence of effective ventilation. Rescue breathing involves providing breaths to the individual through mouth-to-mouth or a barrier device, allowing oxygen to enter the lungs and reach the bloodstream. This intervention helps to prevent brain damage and other complications associated with prolonged hypoxia until more advanced medical help becomes available.

Rescue breathing is typically employed in situations where the patient has a pulse but is not independently breathing. Although chest compressions are crucial for cardiac arrest scenarios to circulate blood, they do not provide oxygen. Oxygen administration may be relevant in various medical situations but isn't a standalone solution for a victim that isn't breathing. Similarly, assisted ventilation is a technique that may be needed in certain emergencies but is more advanced and often requires specialized equipment. Rescue breathing directly supports the need for oxygenation in a non-breathing patient, making it the correct choice.