Have you ever used your EMT skills when you are off duty?

ffemt8978 said:

I was avoiding mentioning that because it doesn't really pertain to the conversation, but yeah.

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VentMonkey said:

Humility, sometimes it’s required of us.

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MrCurious said:

Jim37F's post #36 somewhat answered the question.

I think that "maintaining the airway" might mean something like to position a person's head and neck so that the person can breathe properly when the person is unconscious.

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Ways to maintain an airway include:​

1. Head tilt-chin lift – Tilting the head back and lifting the chin to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
2. Jaw thrust – Pushing the jaw forward, often used when a spinal injury is suspected.
3. Suctioning – Removing fluids (like mucus, vomit, or blood) that may be obstructing the airway.
4. Airway adjuncts– Using medical devices such as:
   • Oropharyngeal airway (OPA) – Inserted through the mouth to keep the tongue from blocking the throat.
   • Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) – Inserted through the nose to keep the airway open.
5. Intubation – Inserting a tube into the trachea (windpipe) to provide a clear airway, especially in critical care or anesthesia.
6. Heimlich maneuver – Used to clear a blocked airway caused by choking.

Why it's important:​

• If the airway becomes blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs, which can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), brain damage, or even death within minutes.
• Maintaining an airway is a top priority in basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) protocols.

akflightmedic said:

What I find crazy is with all the resources literally a keystroke away, people still find it "easier" to come on a forum and ask a bazillion people a very basic question. Now of course I love conversation, I realize conversation is fluid and will lead to many other tangents which are good for all to read, even if they do not participate. But FFS, we now have ChatGPT` at our fingertips too!! LOL

I did ask ChatGPT and this is what it told me....

To maintain an airway means to ensure that a person’s airway (the passage through which air travels from the mouth and nose to the lungs) remains open and clear, allowing them to breathe properly. This is crucial in both emergency situations (like choking, unconsciousness, or respiratory distress) and routine medical care (such as during surgery or while on a ventilator).

Ways to maintain an airway include:​

1. Head tilt-chin lift – Tilting the head back and lifting the chin to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
2. Jaw thrust – Pushing the jaw forward, often used when a spinal injury is suspected.
3. Suctioning – Removing fluids (like mucus, vomit, or blood) that may be obstructing the airway.
4. Airway adjuncts– Using medical devices such as:
   • Oropharyngeal airway (OPA) – Inserted through the mouth to keep the tongue from blocking the throat.
   • Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) – Inserted through the nose to keep the airway open.
5. Intubation – Inserting a tube into the trachea (windpipe) to provide a clear airway, especially in critical care or anesthesia.
6. Heimlich maneuver – Used to clear a blocked airway caused by choking.

Why it's important:​

• If the airway becomes blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs, which can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), brain damage, or even death within minutes.
• Maintaining an airway is a top priority in basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) protocols.

Click to expand...