During respiratory distress, how should the patient be transported?

• A. Keep supine
• B. Transport in position of comfort
• C. Transport on side-lying
• D. Transport prone

Answer: (B)

During respiratory distress the goal is to reduce the effort of breathing and keep the airway open. Transporting in the position of comfort achieves this by letting the chest expand more fully and letting the patient recruit fewer accessory muscles, often with the head elevated and the torso semi-upright. This upright or semi-sitting posture also makes it easier to monitor the patient and administer oxygen if needed.

Keeping them supine can worsen breathing for many patients because it restricts chest wall expansion and can promote airway collapse or tongue obstruction. Side-lying may be used in specific scenarios (e.g., vomiting or unconscious patients), but for a conscious patient with respiratory distress it can hinder ventilation and airway management. Prone positioning likewise reduces chest wall expansion and is not typically helpful for routine transport in distress.

So, transporting in the position of comfort best supports breathing and patient stability.