A 21-year-old patient has difficulty swallowing.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

This patient is showing signs ofepiglottitisor aserious upper airway obstruction— drooling, difficulty swallowing, fever, and tripod positioning.

EMT actions should include:

Position of comfortto avoid airway agitation

Gentle suctioningif secretions threaten airway

Do not force the patient to lie flat, as this mayworsen airway compromise.CPAPandhumidified oxygenmay be considered in hospital care but not as first-line interventions during prehospital airway management in epiglottitis.