Basic Treatment (OPR) is made up of the following components:

• Oxygen
• Position
• Reassurance

Oxygen

• Refer to the Oxygen CPG for the use of medical oxygen.

Position

• Patient should be positioned as appropriate for condition e.g. if unconscious then place in lateral (recovery) position.
• It is acceptable to manage a patient with respiratory distress in the sitting position, if conscious.
  
• Factors to consider are:
  
  • Dangers
    
  • Conscious state
    
  • Airway
    
  • Breathing
    
  • Presence of spinal injury
    
  • Position of comfort
    
  • Injuries

Reassurance

• The value of constantly reassuring the conscious patient cannot be over-emphasised and is an essential part of patient management. The best type of reassurance is the quiet, efficient, confident and competent performance of clinical skills by ambulance personnel.
• The physiological benefits of psychological reassurance should not be underestimated. A patient in distress will be relieved by the arrival of the ambulance, a professional attitude and emotional support from the officers.
  
• Decreasing anxiety in the distressed patient will assist to combat some of the negative effects of a fight/flight response to injury or illness.
  
• Reassurance should also be considered for the unconscious patient. Even though the patient may appear unresponsive it does not mean they cannot hear you. Keep talking to the patient as hearing is the last sense lost.
  
• Patients ask for your help; in conjunction with the Patient Charter, the Western Australian community deserves respect, kindness and consideration in a professional and confidential manner.
  

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