If a patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, what is the EMS guideline for glucose administration?

If a patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, what is the EMS guideline for glucose administration?

• A. Do not give oral glucose; maintain airway and transport; use alternative therapies per protocol if available.
• B. Give oral glucose regardless of swallowing ability.
• C. Administer IV dextrose immediately.
• D. Increase oxygen and observe.

Answer: (A)

The main point is airway protection when glucose cannot be safely given by mouth. If a patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, oral glucose is contraindicated because there’s a high risk of aspiration and airway compromise. The priority is to maintain the airway, support breathing, and transport promptly. Then, use alternative glucose delivery methods per protocol if available—such as establishing IV access and giving dextrose or using glucagon—rather than giving oral glucose. This approach aligns with the guideline. Oral glucose would be unsafe here, and simply increasing oxygen or observing won’t treat hypoglycemia; IV dextrose or another protocol-supported option is preferred once airway safety is addressed.

The main point is airway protection when glucose cannot be safely given by mouth. If a patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, oral glucose is contraindicated because there’s a high risk of aspiration and airway compromise. The priority is to maintain the airway, support breathing, and transport promptly. Then, use alternative glucose delivery methods per protocol if available—such as establishing IV access and giving dextrose or using glucagon—rather than giving oral glucose. This approach aligns with the guideline. Oral glucose would be unsafe here, and simply increasing oxygen or observing won’t treat hypoglycemia; IV dextrose or another protocol-supported option is preferred once airway safety is addressed.