What are common signs of respiratory distress that EMDs should recognize?

Recognizing common signs of respiratory distress is crucial for Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) to provide appropriate pre-arrival instructions and ensure timely emergency response. Shortness of breath and wheezing are primary indicators of respiratory distress.

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, signifies that the patient is having difficulty breathing, which may indicate a serious underlying condition such as asthma, pulmonary embolism, or heart failure. Wheezing, characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, is often associated with constricted airways and can be a sign of conditions such as bronchospasm, particularly in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

These symptoms are direct indicators that the patient's respiratory system is not functioning properly, requiring immediate attention. Recognizing these signs allows EMDs to prioritize the call, provide essential first-aid instructions, and alert EMS to the potential severity of the situation, ultimately facilitating a quicker and more effective medical response.