Stridor management references which protocol?

• A. Chest pain ACS protocol
• B. Seizure protocol
• C. Pulmonary edema protocol
• D. Allergic reaction protocol

Answer: (D)

Stridor signals upper airway narrowing from edema, which in EMS practice is most commonly caused by an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Because this airway compromise is addressed within the allergic reaction protocol, that protocol is the reference for managing stridor. The other protocols focus on unrelated scenarios: chest pain ACS targets cardiac ischemia, seizure protocol covers neurologic events, and pulmonary edema deals with fluid overload and lower airway symptoms. When stridor arises in the context of an allergic reaction, the emphasis is on protecting the airway and countering the reaction—epinephrine administration, airway monitoring, and readiness for advanced airway management, with additional adjuncts as indicated.