When treating a patient with unstable chest pain and an estimated 30‑minute transport time, what is the immediate field priority?

• A. Administer Oxygen
• B. Obtain Blood Pressure
• C. Start an IV line
• D. Begin transport without intervention

Answer: (A)

Prioritizing breathing and oxygen delivery is the key. In a patient with unstable chest pain, ensuring adequate oxygenation helps support heart and tissue perfusion and can reduce ongoing ischemia. Providing supplemental oxygen is a rapid, noninvasive step that can be started right away while you assess and plan further care, especially with a transport time around 30 minutes. You’d typically monitor SpO2 and deliver oxygen if the patient is hypoxic or in distress to bring saturation into a safe range.

Obtaining blood pressure and starting an IV are important, but they don’t address the immediate risk posed by potential hypoxia. Beginning transport without any intervention misses an opportunity to improve oxygen delivery during a critical period.