Is hyperventilating a patient an emt-b skill?

Question

In class they told us it's not, in my emt-b practice test book it lists it as one of the answers. Also, how about the flow ventilations, not the mouth to mask ones or the bvm, the other kind.

Answer 1

yes -this is done when a patient's respiratory rate is not compatible with life.  talk to your instructor.

Answer 2

do you mean hyperventilating or intubation ? I went to basic emt school years ago myself. wish you all the luck in the world!!!!

Answer 3

I'm a paramedic with over 25 years experience.  I have always hyperventilated my patients when I feel they really needed it....as in cases of complete arrest.  Never pass up your level of training or certification, but I can't see how hyperventilating a hypoxic patient could be a problem, especially if they're symptomatic.  Even if they're surviving on  hypoxic drive (as in the case of someone with COPD)...the main thing is to oxygenate them.....they can be weaned at a later day.  But you have to follow your protocols, and the medical laws for your state.  If the instructor tells you this in class, then you'll have to abide by it.  To me, it seems like a basic level skill.  Anyway, study hard, if you don't know something...ask questions.  Be the best basic you can be, and don't stop with just that.  I wish you the best of luck, and be careful on those streets.

Answer 4

I am an EMT for almost 10 yrs,and yes it is an emt-b skill to hyperventilate a patient.The flow ventilators are usually used by the paramedics,though.Oh,by the way,i recertify every 3 yrs,but do not go out in the field! I have several herniated discs,and spinal stenosis(moderate at L5-S1! So, do not make it a long term career! Even if you lift properly,you can still injure your back! Good luck to you! Try to go into nursing after your emt course is over!

Answer 5

I've been certified as an EMT - basic in Massachusetts since1995. Worked on the ambulance until 1999 then went into dispatch for a year. I'm actually in Law School now but I am still an EMT because I re-certify every 2 years with the refresher, the 28 hours of continuing ed, and I pay the fee.

When I was on the truck, we used to hyperventilate patients that were unconscious or semiconscious as well as those who had an apparent head injury. The rationale behind that was to supply the brain with as much oxygen as possible so the patient wouldn't sustain any (or any more) brain damage. The believe then was that perfusion was most important. ~BUT.... when I just took my last refresher class (2007) they have since changed that. Now the belief is that by hyperventilating a patient you could actually cause more harm, especially in someone with a head injury. This is because research has showed that when you hyperventilate a head injury (trauma, stroke, TIA, etc.) patient, you can actually be causing the intercranial pressure to rise; which cause serious damage much more quickly than slow perfusion would. Because of that, the new EMT- basic protocol is to NOT hyperventilate a patient. The book you are using is just going on "old" protocols. Listen to your instructor, 90% of what you actually learn about treating patients as an EMT is acquired on the street from actually doing it & learning from the veterans.