When should a paramedic use "suction"?

Using suction is essential in emergency care, particularly when it comes to airway management. The primary purpose of suction is to clear the airway of obstructions or secretions, which can pose significant risks to a patient's ability to breathe. When a patient's airway is compromised due to the presence of vomit, blood, mucus, or other debris, suctioning helps to restore airway patency, allowing for effective ventilation and oxygenation.

This intervention is critical in various scenarios, such as when a patient is unconscious or semi-conscious and unable to protect their own airway. By ensuring that the airway is clear, paramedics can provide effective respiratory support and reduce the risk of aspiration, which can lead to further complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure.

Other choices do not pertain to the specific functions of suction in emergency medical services. For instance, suction is not used in performing CPR or to locate sources of internal bleeding, both of which are addressed through different medical interventions. Additionally, intravenous medication administration does not involve suction, as it pertains to delivering drugs directly into the bloodstream. Thus, the use of suction is specifically relevant to maintaining airway integrity.