Chest Pain / SOB

Critical Urgency

Cardiac or pulmonary symptoms during infusion.

Protocol Steps

  1. 1

    Stop the infusion immediately

  2. 2

    CALL 911 — do not wait to assess

  3. 3

    Place patient in position of comfort (usually upright)

  4. 4

    Administer oxygen if available

  5. 5

    Ask about chest pain characteristics (crushing, sharp, radiating)

  6. 6

    Check pulse and blood pressure if equipment available

  7. 7

    If aspirin is available and patient has no known allergy, inform EMS dispatcher and have it ready for paramedics on arrival — do not administer without a confirmed standing order

  8. 8

    Keep patient calm and still — do not allow them to walk

  9. 9

    Prepare to perform CPR if patient becomes unresponsive

  10. 10

    Relay all information to EMS on arrival

Call 911