You find a patient, who seized for approximately 2 minutes, supine on the kitchen floor. He responds to painful stimuli and has snoring respirations. Emergency Medical Responders are holding manual in-line spinal stabilization and report the following vital signs: heart rate is 124 beats per minute, and his pulse oximetry is 89% on room air. He has cool and clammy skin. Which one of the following should you do first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's snoring respirations indicate a compromised airway, likely due to the tongue falling back and obstructing the airway. The jaw-thrust maneuver is the most immediate action to open the airway without moving the cervical spine, especially important since spinal injury has not been ruled out.

You Find a Patient, Who Seized for Approximately 2 Minutes