Question

Your team arrives to find a 59-year-old man lying on the kitchen floor. You determine that he is unresponsive and notice that he is taking agonal breaths. What is the next step in your assessment and management of this patient?

Answer 1

When finding an unresponsive individual with agonal breaths, call for emergency help, check for a pulse, and begin CPR if needed. Ensure the airway is clear and perform the Heimlich maneuver if choking is suspected. Use an AED if available.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you encounter a 59-year-old man who is unresponsive and taking agonal breaths, the next steps in assessment and management are critical. First, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Check for a pulse and begin CPR if there is no pulse. For unresponsive individuals with no apparent pulse and irregular breathing, starting chest compressions quickly is crucial. If you are trained and it's appropriate for the situation, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as one is available.

While chest compressions are underway, ensure that the airway is clear. If you suspect choking, and the person is not breathing, perform the Heimlich maneuver to attempt to dislodge any obstruction in the airway. If there's evidence of drowning, as soon as the individual is out of the water, assess the need for rescue breathing alongside compressions. Emergency situations require swift action and a calm approach. Ensuring the safety of the area and the provision of immediate care can increase the chances of survival significantly.