--- title: "Troubles of Transport: How to Transport a Patient in Respiratory Distress" description: When transporting someone in respiratory distress, emergency responders should be prepared to spring into action with the right procedures and equipment. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/178992356_l_normal_none%20-%20Copy.png --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [Troubles of Transport: How to Transport a Patient in Respiratory Distress](https://blog.sscor.com/troubles-of-transport-how-to-transport-a-patient-in-respiratory-distress-1) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Aug 14, 2023 7:00:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/troubles-of-transport-how-to-transport-a-patient-in-respiratory-distress-1#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/troubles-of-transport-how-to-transport-a-patient-in-respiratory-distress-1#) 0 ![178992356_l_normal_none - Copy](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/178992356_l_normal_none%20-%20Copy.png?width=800&height=400&name=178992356_l_normal_none%20-%20Copy.png) When faced with the challenge of transporting someone in respiratory distress, emergency responders should be able to identify the symptoms and remain prepared to spring into action with the right procedures and equipment. **Detecting distress** ** ** [Unitek EMT](https://www.unitekemt.com/about-us/) describes respiratory distress, also known as acute respiratory distress syndrome, as   1. Primary Respiratory Distress, meaning the problem is directly in the lungs. 2. Secondary Respiratory Distress, meaning the lungs are having to work overtime to compensate for other issues in the body.   Emergency responders will be able to offer patients a better chance at survival when they arrive on the scene if they’re experts at identifying signs of respiratory distress. [Johns Hopkins Medicine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org) has identified eight key indicators to help first responders pinpoint a respiratory issue. The signs include:   - An increased number of breaths per minute - Blue color of skin on or around the lips or fingertips - Grunting sound on the patient’s exhale - Nose flaring due to lack of air - Retracting of the chest in attempt to accumulate more air - Sweaty or clammy skin - Wheezing with every breath - Leaning forward while sitting to try to gain more oxygen   **How to Position the Patient** ** ** According to[ EMS World Expo](https://www.emsworldexpo.com), patients should always be positioned in a way that [relieves pressure from their chest and lungs](https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/article/12062118/patient-positioning). The position is formally called [Fowler’s Position](https://www.steris.com/healthcare/knowledge-center/surgical-equipment/fowlers-position-guide), but the patient should always be sitting upright. The positioning of a patient can be a life-or-death factor, so be sure to listen to the patient and take the specific circumstances of the emergency into consideration. For example, if someone is hypotensive, they should be placed completely flat on the stretcher, so the patient’s heart is not pumping against gravity.   **Using the right equipment ** ** ** During transport, patients with respiratory distress will often be put on a transfer ventilator. According to [RT Magazine](https://rtmagazine.com), transport ventilators are instrumental for making sure the patient has a consistent oxygen intake.[ RT Magazine also lays out the three different modes of ventilation](https://rtmagazine.com/products-treatment/diagnostics-testing/training/transport-ventilation/). These include: 1. Pressure-support ventilation augments the patient’s inconsistent inspiratory effort by providing a consistent distribution of oxygen during inspiration to a preset limit. 2. Pressure-control ventilation delivers volume until the desired pressure is reached during inspiration. 3. Volume control and time-limited ventilation delivers the desired air amount within a certain period. There can be an overwhelming number of factors to keep in mind when transporting a patient in respiratory distress, but with the right preparation and knowledge, emergency responders can handle the pressure smoothly. Being able to identify the symptoms and signs of respiratory distress, knowing how to treat them and understanding how to operate necessary equipment will aid EMS professionals in smoothly and efficiently saving the lives of patients experiencing airway emergencies.   [![S-SCORT III portable hospital suction for ambulances and first responders](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/630c3ac4-e3b3-41a1-b531-4562d1601702.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/630c3ac4-e3b3-41a1-b531-4562d1601702)   Topics: [Emergency medical suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emergency-medical-suction), [Suction for EMS professionals](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/suction-for-ems-professionals), [EMS Professionals](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/ems-professionals) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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