Question

As the single EMT managing an apneic patient's airway, the preferred initial method of providing ventilations is the:

A. One person bag valve mask
B. Mouth to mouth technique
C. Manually triggered ventilation device
D. Mouth to mask technique with a one-way valve

Answer 1

The preferred method for a single EMT to provide ventilations to an apneic patient is the one person bag valve mask technique. This method is efficient and allows for good control over ventilation. CPAP and EPAP systems are for sleep apnea treatment and not immediate emergency response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The preferred initial method of providing ventilations to an apneic patient when you are the single Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) managing the airway is the one person bag valve mask technique. This method is generally considered the most efficient and provides the best seal and control when ventilating an apneic patient. It's important to ensure that the mask is securely fitted to the patient's face to prevent air leakage, and ventilations are delivered at an appropriate rate and volume to achieve adequate chest rise. Mouth to mask or mouth to mouth techniques may provide a backup option, but they are less preferred due to potential issues with effectiveness and safety.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices and expiratory positive air pressure (EPAP) devices are commonly used in treating sleep apnea, which is a slightly different context from emergency ventilation and are not typically used by EMTs for initial emergency response.