As the sole EMT managing an apneic patient, the preferred initial method of providing ventilations is:

• A. Endotracheal intubation.
• B. Mouth-to-mouth technique.
• C. Bag-valve ventilation with two rescuers.
• D. Mouth-to-mask technique with a one-way valve.

Answer: (D)

When you’re the only EMT handling an apneic patient, you want a ventilation method that is quick to set up, effective at delivering breaths, and protects you from exposure. A mouth-to-mask technique with a one-way valve meets those needs best. The one-way valve provides a barrier so exhaled air from the patient can’t flow back to you, reducing infection risk, while the mask allows you to seal and deliver breaths efficiently without needing another rescuer. It gives you reliable ventilation right away and doesn’t require the time or resources of advanced airway tools.

Endotracheal intubation is more invasive and time-consuming, and not the initial move when you’re solo. Mouth-to-mouth delivers breaths but lacks a protective barrier, increasing exposure risk. A bag-valve mask usually requires two rescuers to maintain a good seal and effective ventilation; as the sole provider, you can’t rely on a second person to optimize that setup, so it isn’t the preferred initial method in this scenario.