Distress/Failure

Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Prehospital Basic Life Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

401 DISTRESS/FAILURE

Monitor the airway.

If an obstructed airway is suspected, see Protocol #402.

Administer oxygen.

Do NOT permit physical activity.

Request Advanced Life Support assistance.

Monitor breathing for adequacy.

NOTE:

MONITOR BREATHING CONTINUOUSLY. BE ALERT FOR SIGNS OF HYPOXIA AND/OR INCREASING RESPIRATORY DISTRESS.

Place the patient in a Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position.

Transport.

If the patient is breathing at a rate less than 12 or greater than 28 times per minute and/or exhibiting signs of hypoxia, assisted ventilations may be required. This should be done utilizing one of the following methods:

Pocket mask with supplemental oxygen set at 10-15 liters/minute.
Bag-Valve-Mask and reservoir with flow set at 10-15 liters/minute.
Mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mouth and nose (at provider option, only when adjuncts are not available).

NOTE:

ALL PATIENTS WHO ARE IN RESPIRATORY ARREST MUST HAVE VENTILATORY ASSISTANCE UNLESS A VALID DNR ORDER EXISTS.

DO NOT USE A DEMAND VALVE RESUSCITATOR DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF CAUSING SEVERE, LIFE-THREATENING COMPLICATIONS.

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