During respiratory distress, what is the recommended first aid action?

• A. Call EMS immediately and leave the person.
• B. Restrain the person.
• C. Help administer meds the victim has, encourage them to get comfortable.
• D. Offer them a hot beverage.

Answer: (C)

When someone is in respiratory distress, the aim is to relieve the airways as quickly as possible and keep them calm. If the person has a prescribed rescue medication, such as an inhaler for asthma or an epinephrine auto-injector for a severe allergic reaction, help them access and use it exactly as prescribed. This directly addresses the cause of the breathing trouble by opening the airways and improving airflow, which often provides fast relief. Encourage them to sit up or get comfortable, and loosen tight clothing to help ease breathing.

After they’ve used the medication, monitor how they’re doing and be prepared to call EMS if symptoms don’t improve within a few minutes, or if they worsen, if they have trouble speaking or breathing, or if they develop blue lips or face. Avoid restraining them, giving drinks like hot beverages, or delaying medication if they have it.