What should you do if a patient vomits while you are attempting to ventilate?

When a patient vomits during ventilation, the appropriate response is to carefully clear the airway and then continue ventilation. This action is crucial because vomiting can obstruct the airway and pose a significant risk of aspiration, which can lead to severe complications like aspiration pneumonia. Clearing the airway ensures that the passage is open and that any potential obstruction is removed, allowing for effective ventilation.

After clearing the airway, resuming ventilation is essential to ensure that the patient receives adequate oxygen. Maintaining oxygenation is critical, especially if the patient is already in respiratory distress or failure.

In situations where a patient vomits, leaving the patient unattended is not advisable, as they may continue to vomit or experience further airway obstruction. Continuing to ventilate without addressing the vomit can lead to ineffective breathing and increased risks of aspiration. Waiting for assistance without taking action would also delay necessary interventions that can stabilize the patient’s condition.