What should be the next action for an unresponsive patient who has drunk a large amount of alcohol and taken pills?

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Prepare for the EMT Toxicologic Emergencies Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Master essential concepts with hints and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness today!

Administering oxygen through positive pressure ventilation is the most appropriate action for an unresponsive patient who has consumed a large amount of alcohol and taken pills. In this scenario, the patient may be experiencing respiratory depression or failure due to the combined effects of alcohol and the pills. Ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation is critical, as these substances can significantly impair the central nervous system, resulting in the patient's unresponsiveness.

Using positive pressure ventilation helps to deliver oxygen more effectively to the lungs, improving oxygenation and potentially preventing further complications such as hypoxia, cardiac arrest, or respiratory arrest. This intervention is vital to stabilize the patient while additional assessments and treatments are planned.

While determining blood glucose levels, identifying the pills, or contacting parents is important in a complete assessment and management plan, the immediate priority is to ensure the patient has adequate breathing and oxygen supply. Addressing life-threatening issues takes precedence over obtaining additional information or consent in emergency situations.

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