Question

A previously conscious patient with a partial airway obstruction starts to become unconscious, and the patient's "crowing" noises have stopped. The EMT should?

1) Continue to treat the patient as a partial airway obstruction patient
2) Treat the patient as a complete airway obstruction patient
3) Administer oxygen by a non-rebreather mask
4) Suction the patient's pharynx

Answer 1

The EMT should treat an unconscious patient with a previously partial airway obstruction, now silent, as having a complete airway obstruction and take immediate steps for airway clearance, potentially including advanced airway management like intubation.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient with a partial airway obstruction becomes unconscious and 'crowing' noises have stopped, the EMT should treat the patient as a complete airway obstruction patient. This is critical because the cessation of 'crowing' sounds may indicate that the obstruction has become complete, preventing adequate airflow. In such cases, immediate action is necessary to clear the obstruction and ensure that oxygen can reach the lungs.

The appropriate response would involve performing the Heimlich maneuver if the patient is not pregnant or too obese, in which case chest thrusts would be an alternative. For healthcare providers or EMTs, if the maneuvers do not dislodge the obstructing object and the patient is still not breathing, advanced airway management techniques, such as intubation, might be necessary.

It is not advisable to administer oxygen by a non-rebreather mask or to suction the pharynx, as both actions presuppose some air movement and could delay more effective interventions.