Question

You have been dispatched to the scene of a house fire. As you arrive at the scene, two firefighters are carrying a person from the residence. You immediately take your emergency medical equipment bag and AED to the side of the patient, who has been placed in a safe area. Approaching the patient, you observe that she appears to be about 30 years old, is not moving, and has soot around her nose and mouth. She has not been exposed to fire or intense heat, only smoke.

1. What is the first thing you should do to evaluate the airway and breathing for this patient?
2. You determine that the patient has visible signs of secretions around the mouth and signs of inadequate breathing. How do you proceed?
3. What would you look for to indicate that the artificial ventilations being provided to this patient are adequate?
4. What would you look for to indicate that the artificial ventilations being provided to this patient are inadequate?

Answer 1

To evaluate the airway and breathing, check for responsiveness and clear the airway. Look for rise and fall of the chest to indicate adequate artificial ventilation. No rise and fall of the chest and lack of improvement in breathing or skin color indicate inadequate ventilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first thing you should do to evaluate the airway and breathing for this patient is to check for responsiveness. Tap the patient's shoulder and shout, "Are you okay?" If the patient does not respond, proceed to the next step.

Since the patient has visible signs of secretions around the mouth and inadequate breathing, you should clear the airway by tilting the head back slightly and lifting the chin. This will help open the airway and allow for better breathing.

To determine if the artificial ventilations being provided to this patient are adequate, you would look for rise and fall of the chest with each ventilation. Additionally, you can check for improved breathing or a change in the patient's skin color.

If the artificial ventilations being provided to this patient are inadequate, you would see no rise and fall of the chest with each ventilation. The patient's breathing may not improve and their skin color may remain unchanged or worsen.