What should the EMT do first for a patient who may have ingested antifreeze and is displaying signs of inadequate breathing?

In a situation where a patient has potentially ingested antifreeze and is showing signs of inadequate breathing, initiating positive pressure ventilation is the most critical and immediate intervention. Antifreeze often contains toxic substances, such as ethylene glycol, which can lead to respiratory depression and subsequent inadequate oxygenation.

When a patient is not breathing adequately, they are at risk of hypoxia, which can quickly lead to brain damage or death if not addressed. Positive pressure ventilation provides the necessary support to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate oxygen, regardless of their ability to breathe on their own. This technique allows the EMT to deliver oxygen directly into the lungs, ensuring that even if the patient is not taking in enough air independently, their oxygenation levels can be stabilized.

While it is also important to gather information about the ingestion and consult with poison control, these actions are secondary to providing immediate respiratory support. Ensuring the patient’s airway is patent and that they are receiving adequate ventilation is the top priority in emergencies involving toxic ingestions.