A 27-year-old male has been involved in a motor vehicle collision and is entrapped in his car. He is unresponsive with agonal gurgling respirations and blood coming from his nose. His respirations show poor effort and are inadequate. The radial pulse is rapid and weak and skin cool and diaphoretic. An Emergency Medical Responder is holding manual in-line spinal stabilization. What action would you perform first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is exhibiting signs of an obstructed airway, with agonal breathing and poor effort. The first priority is to clear the airway and ensure that the patient can breathe adequately. Suctioning the airway with a hard-tip catheter is the appropriate first action in this case. The other actions may be performed later after ensuring the patient's airway is clear.

A 27-Year-Old Male Has Been Involved in a Motor Vehicle