Paramedic National Registry Practice

A patient presents with facial burns and stridor after a gas can explosion. What is your initial action?

1. Administer pain medication

2. Assess level of consciousness

3. Apply oxygen therapy

4. Intubate immediately

The correct answer is: Assess level of consciousness

In cases of facial burns accompanied by stridor, the airway is of utmost concern due to the potential for swelling and obstruction. The initial assessment of a patient's level of consciousness is critical in this scenario because it can provide insight into the patient's airway status and responsiveness. A decreased level of consciousness may indicate an increased risk for airway compromise, as it can lead to diminished protective reflexes, making intubation and securing the airway a higher priority. While administering pain medication, applying oxygen therapy, or even intubating are important considerations in the management of a burn patient, the immediate priority should always be assessing the patient's airway and consciousness level. Understanding whether the patient is alert and able to maintain their own airway informs subsequent decisions about oxygenation and possible intubation. Stridor, a high-pitched wheezing sound, indicates that there is some form of upper airway obstruction, emphasizing the importance of this assessment to ensure timely and appropriate intervention.