A driver was ejected from his vehicle in a rollover-type collision. Assessment findings reveal the patient to be unresponsive with bruising to the abdominal and pelvic areas along with an open femur fracture. The patient has an open airway and is breathing 32 times per minute. His skin is cool and clammy and the radial pulses weak. Manual in-line spinal stabilization is being maintained. The EMT's next intervention would be to:

Question

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As the patient is unresponsive with a high respiratory rate, the EMT should assist the patient's breathing with bag-valve-mask ventilation and consider the need for hyperventilation due to the potential for brain injury. The weak radial pulses suggest potential hemorrhagic shock, which the EMT should also address while assisting respirations. Obtaining a blood pressure is not a priority at this time, and examining the fracture site and applying a cervical collar should be done after ensuring adequate ventilation and addressing shock.

A Driver Was Ejected from His Vehicle in a Rollover-Type