Which condition is associated with panic attacks and is managed by calming the patient and providing oxygen if indicated?

• A. Hyperventilation syndrome
• B. Pertussis
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Delirium

Answer: (A)

Hyperventilation syndrome is the condition linked to panic attacks, where anxiety triggers rapid, shallow breathing that can lead to dizziness, tingling, and chest tightness. The most effective EMS management focuses on calming the patient and guiding them to slower, controlled breathing to restore CO2 levels and relieve symptoms. Providing oxygen is appropriate if the patient is hypoxic or in significant distress. Understanding why this fits: panic-driven hyperventilation creates a pattern of overbreathing rather than a primary cardiac or infectious emergency, so the priority is reassurance and breathing control rather than chasing other causes. Other options don’t fit the pattern—pertussis is an infectious cough, pulmonary embolism presents with sudden chest pain and dyspnea often with hypoxia, and delirium involves acute confusion—so they’re managed differently.