A patient has been involved in a motorcycle crash and has a flail segment to the right lateral chest. His airway is open and he is breathing poorly at 24 breaths per minute with a decreasing SpO₂. The EMT shows that he is appropriately caring for this injury when he:

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The patient is breathing poorly with a decreasing SpO2, indicating inadequate oxygenation. Positive pressure ventilation will help improve oxygenation and ventilation. Administering oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask can help, but it may not be sufficient in this case. Positioning the patient in a semi-Fowler's position or placing an ice pack over the site of injury may not be helpful in managing the flail segment or improving the patient's breathing.

A Patient Has Been Involved in a Motorcycle Crash and Has