501 RESPIRATORY ARREST

For patients in actual or imminent respiratory arrest:

1. Begin Basic Life Support Respiratory Distress procedures.

2. If a tension pneumothorax is suspected, perform Needle Decompression. (See Appendix O.)

3. Perform Endotracheal Intubation. An Esophageal Gastric Tube Airway (EGTA) may be inserted if:
   a. Attempts at Endotracheal Intubation are unsuccessful.
   OR
   b. Spinal immobilization would be compromised while attempting Endotracheal Intubation.
   • NOTE:
     THE EGTA IS NOT TO BE USED IN PATIENTS LESS THAN FIFTEEN (15) YEARS OF AGE.
4. One additional attempt at Endotracheal Intubation may be made after the EGTA is in place and the patient is well oxygenated (provided that spinal immobilization is not compromised while attempting endotracheal intubation). The EGTA should remain in place and a nasogastric tube passed.

5. Begin Cardiac Monitoring, record and evaluate EKG strip.

6. Begin an IV infusion of Dextrose 5 % in water (D5W) to keep vein open.

7. Transportation decision.

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