Question

While on scene with a trauma patient, your EMT partner asks you whether she should request ALS backup. The presence of what clinical finding would cause you to have your partner summon ALS?

1) Abdominal tenderness
2) Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL
3) Presence of pedal and carotid pulses
4) Occluded airway

Answer 1

The presence of an occluded airway would cause you to summon ALS (Advanced Life Support) backup for the trauma patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the presence of an occluded airway would cause you to summon ALS (Advanced Life Support) backup for the trauma patient. An occluded airway means that the patient's airway is blocked or obstructed, which can lead to severe respiratory distress or even respiratory arrest. It requires immediate intervention by skilled healthcare providers with advanced airway management techniques and equipment.