Title: Demonstrate the assessment and management of patients with respiratory emergencies.
Course: Emergency Medical Technician II (14055-II) > Section: Managing Medical Emergencies

Demonstration should include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment, and management of emergencies related to

- respiratory distress/failure/arrest
- upper airway obstruction
- lower airway disease

  - asthma
  - bronchitis
  - pneumonia
  - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- spontaneous pneumothorax
- pulmonary edema
- other respiratory disorders to be determined locally.

Demonstration should also include using respiratory medications, pulse oximetry, and CPAP.

Demonstration should include psychosocial aspects of age-related assessment and treatment modifications for the major or common diseases and/or emergencies associated with pediatric and geriatric patients.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How does an EMT assess and manage a patient in respiratory distress?
- What are some of the reasons a patient may experience a respiratory emergency?
- Why is it critically important to frequently monitor a COPD patient's response to supplemental oxygen?