14th August 2024

You are called to the resuscitation area in the Emergency Department as part of the medical emergency team

You are called to the resuscitation area in the Emergency Department as part of the medical emergency team. An unknown patient has been brought by the ambulance service having been found deeply unconscious, smelling of alcohol.

He is profoundly unstable with hypotension and is unrousable. The intensive care team makes the decision to intubate him to protect his airway; on laryngoscopy there is soiling of the airway with vomit. Vasopressor therapy is initiated to support his blood pressure.

An urgent arterial blood gas is obtained:

Which is the single most definitive management to initiate?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.