Breathing difficulty (often referred to as shortness of breath) can be caused by many different

conditions including allergic reactions, pneumonia, chronic lung disease, or cardiac events. It

should be considered a life threatening condition. Rapid response to relieve the respiratory distress

is critical as a first step. An EMS provider transport service must be contacted for response to

provide additional treatment and transfer to an appropriate facility.

A. Call for EMS transport, if not already activated.

B. Maintain airway:

1. Administer oxygen 15 LPM via non-rebreathing mask.

2. If patient cannot tolerate mask, administer oxygen 6 LPM via nasal cannula.

3. Be prepared to assist ventilations as needed, with oxygen via mouth to mask.

C. Position of comfort.

D. Monitor vital signs.

E. Transfer patient to the transporting provider.