An unresponsive 55-year-old female with ALS has shallow respirations. What should you do first?

In the scenario presented, the priority is to address the patient's shallow respirations effectively. Assisting her ventilation is the most critical first step, especially in the context of an unresponsive patient with a history of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, resulting in inadequate ventilation and potential respiratory failure.

When a patient is unresponsive and exhibits shallow breathing, their ability to adequately ventilate and oxygenate is compromised. By assisting her ventilation, you can help ensure that her lungs are adequately filled with air, which is essential for gas exchange. This intervention can prevent hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels), which can lead to further complications if not addressed immediately.

Once her ventilation is assisted, other actions such as administering supplemental oxygen and monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO2) can follow, but the primary focus should be on ensuring that she is effectively ventilated first. Therefore, assisting her ventilation is the most appropriate and urgent action to stabilize her condition.