What action should be taken for a patient experiencing stridor?

In cases of stridor, which is a high-pitched sound resulting from turbulent airflow in the upper airway, immediate intervention is critical due to potential underlying causes such as laryngospasm, foreign body obstruction, or swelling of the airway. Requesting immediate EMS intervention is vital because stridor indicates a compromised airway, potentially leading to respiratory distress and failure if not addressed promptly.

The presence of stridor often signifies an emergency situation where the ability to breathe is seriously affected. Rapid transport to a medical facility or advanced care is essential, as time is of the essence in managing airway obstruction or respiratory emergencies. Medical personnel on scene can provide advanced airway management and further interventions.

While providing oxygen therapy is important in many respiratory situations, it does not address the underlying problem if the airway is already compromised. Encouraging the patient to cough can be beneficial in some cases but is not the priority when stridor is present, particularly if the cause is unknown. Assisting with nebulized medications may be appropriate in certain situations, but again, it does not replace the need for immediate advanced care for a patient presenting with stridor.