This pediatric presentation—fever, sore throat, and drooling—is highly concerning for acute epiglottitis, a life-threatening airway emergency emphasized in NREMT airway education. Epiglottitis causes rapid swelling of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues, which can lead to sudden and complete airway obstruction, especially in young children.
Option D is correct because the EMT should minimize agitation and transport the child in a position of comfort, typically sitting upright. NREMT guidelines stress that children with suspected epiglottitis should be kept calm, allowed to assume their preferred position, and transported rapidly without unnecessary interventions that could provoke airway spasm.
Option A is incorrect because finger sweeps are contraindicated unless a solid foreign body is clearly visible. Performing a finger sweep may worsen obstruction or trigger complete airway closure.
Option B is incorrect because positive-pressure ventilation with a BVM can increase agitation and is not indicated unless the patient is in respiratory failure. Oxygen may be offered gently, but forcing a BVM is dangerous.
Option C is incorrect because visual inspection of the airway using a tongue depressor can precipitate sudden airway obstruction and is specifically contraindicated by NREMT teaching.
The priority per NREMT is airway preservation through calm handling, rapid transport, and avoidance of invasive airway maneuvers.
