West Coast EMT Block One Exam

A 20-year-old male is experiencing blurred vision, difficulty speaking, and difficulty breathing after eating at a restaurant. What should you do first?

1. Assist his ventilations with high-flow oxygen.

2. Position him supine and elevate his legs.

3. Apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

4. Request a paramedic to administer atropine.

The correct answer is: Assist his ventilations with high-flow oxygen.

In this scenario, the individual is exhibiting signs of a potential allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which can lead to airway compromise. The symptoms of blurred vision, difficulty speaking, and especially difficulty breathing are critical indicators that the patient's airway may be obstructed or compromised. The priority in this situation is to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Assisting his ventilations with high-flow oxygen is crucial because it directly addresses the difficulty breathing and provides immediate support to maintain oxygen levels in his bloodstream. High-flow oxygen can also help alleviate any hypoxia that might be occurring due to the respiratory distress. Other options, such as positioning him supine and elevating his legs, are generally more appropriate for non-life-threatening conditions or for promoting circulation but do not address the primary issue of difficulty breathing. Applying oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask is beneficial but may not be sufficient if the patient needs assistance with their breathing. Requesting a paramedic to administer atropine is not the first step in this emergency situation; atropine is typically used for bradycardia and not directly indicated for respiratory distress related to anaphylaxis. Focusing on the immediate need for ventilation and oxygenation is the most critical step when a patient exhibits such severe symptoms.