What should an AEMT do if a patient is experiencing severe chest pain?

In the context of a patient experiencing severe chest pain, ensuring that the patient is resting and administering nitroglycerin, if indicated, is a critical step in providing effective care. Severe chest pain could be a sign of a serious condition, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), and immediate actions should be focused on relieving discomfort and addressing potential cardiac issues.

Resting the patient helps in reducing the myocardial oxygen demand, which is crucial in situations where the heart may be under stress. Administering nitroglycerin, as long as the patient's condition allows for it (for example, checking blood pressure and ensuring no contraindications such as being hypotensive or having taken certain medications), can help by dilating blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow to the heart and potentially alleviating the chest pain.

This approach prioritizes both the immediate comfort of the patient and addresses the underlying issues related to their chest pain. Monitoring the patient's response to the nitroglycerin and their overall condition continuously would also be essential in this scenario.