Enroute phaseScenario:The paramedic crew is dispatched to a…
Enroute phaseScenario:The paramedic crew is dispatched to a private residence for a 21-year-old female who was found unresponsive in her bedroom by her roommate. The call was received at 1535. The response time is estimated at 7 minutes. The paramedic is partnered with an EMT, and an ALS supervisor is en route. It is a mild spring afternoon, 64°F (18°C), and traffic is light. The roommate reports by phone that the patient has a history of depression and may have ingested “a bunch of pills.” The patient takes amitriptyline and alprazolam, according to the caller. Law enforcement is not yet on scene.OnScene phaseScenario: The patient (approximately 60 kilograms) is found supine on her bedroom floor. She is unresponsive to verbal stimuli but withdraws from painful stimuli. There are several empty medication bottles nearby labeled amitriptyline 50 mg and alprazolam 1 mg. Pupils are dilated and sluggishly reactive. The patient’s skin is warm and dry. No signs of trauma are noted. Vital signs are: BP 88/50, HR 132, RR 8, SpO₂ 91% on room air, Temp 97.8°F (36.5°C). ECG shows sinus tachycardia with a wide QRS complex.PostScene phaseScenario: The patient is ventilated with a BVM and oxygen. A large-bore IV is established, and sodium bicarbonate 1 mEq/kg IV is administered. ECG shows slight QRS narrowing post-treatment. The patient remains unconscious but has a palpable radial pulse. En route to the ED, she begins posturing with one arm flexed and jaw clenching. Updated vitals: BP 92/56, HR 122, RR assisted at 12, SpO₂ 98%, ECG QRS 110 ms.What is the primary goal of sodium bicarbonate administration in this scenario?