What immediate action should be taken if an EMT encounters a suspected patient in respiratory distress?

When encountering a patient in respiratory distress, providing ventilatory support is essential because the immediate priority is to ensure that the patient has adequate oxygenation and ventilation. This condition can stem from various causes, such as asthma, COPD exacerbation, or anaphylaxis, and if not addressed quickly, it can lead to severe complications or even death.

The decision to provide ventilatory support aligns with the protocols for managing respiratory distress, focusing on stabilizing the patient's airflow and oxygenation. This may involve using supplemental oxygen or administering assisted ventilation techniques such as bag-valve-mask ventilation if the patient is unable to maintain their breath adequately.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not address the urgent need for respiratory assistance. Administering sedatives could further compromise the patient's respiratory drive and is not appropriate in this situation. Transporting the patient to the hospital is important, but only after ensuring that immediate life-saving interventions, like ventilatory support, are provided. Performing a physical examination, while necessary for a complete assessment, should not take precedence over addressing critical respiratory issues. Immediate intervention in cases of respiratory distress is vital for the preservation of life, which is why providing ventilatory support is the right course of action.