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

- epiglottitis
- spontaneous pneumothorax
- pulmonary edema
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- environmental/industrial exposure to harmful substances in the air
- toxic gas
- pertussis
- cystic fibrosis
- pulmonary embolus
- pneumonia
- viral respiratory infections.

Demonstration should also include using respiratory medications, pulse oximetry, capnography/end-tidal CO_2, and CPAP.

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?