What should an EMT do if a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing?

When a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, the priority is to provide adequate oxygenation and ensure that they are in a position that facilitates easier breathing. Administering oxygen helps to alleviate hypoxia and improves oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, positioning the patient properly—typically sitting upright or in a position of comfort—can enhance lung expansion and make it easier for the patient to breathe.

Encouraging the patient to talk can be counterproductive, as speaking requires breath and can exacerbate their difficulty in breathing. While preparing for rapid transport is often necessary in severe cases, it should not be the immediate action when there are steps that can be taken to provide relief right away. Performing chest compressions is reserved for situations involving cardiac arrest, not for patients experiencing respiratory distress. Thus, administering oxygen and appropriately positioning the patient is the best approach to effectively manage their breathing difficulty.