Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Before inserting a Combitube in a cardiac arrest patient, what is the first step?

1. Administer fluids

2. Perform chest compressions

3. Preoxygenate the patient with a bag-mask device and 100% oxygen

4. Assess the patient's pulse

The correct answer is: Preoxygenate the patient with a bag-mask device and 100% oxygen

In the context of managing a cardiac arrest patient, preoxygenation is a critical step prior to any advanced airway intervention, such as inserting a Combitube. By using a bag-mask device and administering 100% oxygen, you increase the oxygen saturation in the patient's lungs before introducing the airway device. This is vital because it helps ensure that the patient has a higher reserve of oxygen, which can be crucial during resuscitation efforts, especially during any periods of apneic oxygenation that may follow after the airway is placed. Preoxygenation serves to clear carbon dioxide and improve the chances of successful ventilation once the Combitube is in place. It plays a significant role in reducing the risk of hypoxia during the procedure. Without this step, there may be insufficient oxygen available during the time when the airway is being secured, which could lead to complications or a decrease in the patient's overall chance of survival. This makes preoxygenating the patient not only a best practice but also a necessary intervention to maximize outcomes during cardiac resuscitation efforts. Other actions, like administering fluids or performing chest compressions, are also important in the broader context of resuscitation but do not specifically address the critical need for ensuring adequate oxygenation prior to airway management