What is a significant sign that an EMD call pertains to a respiratory emergency?

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a significant sign that an EMD call pertains to a respiratory emergency because it directly indicates that the patient is struggling to get enough oxygen. This symptom is critical as it can result from various serious medical conditions such as asthma attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, pneumonia, or even pulmonary embolism. The immediacy of assessing the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation becomes paramount in these situations. Identifying shortness of breath allows the dispatcher to prioritize the call and communicate appropriate instructions to ensure timely medical intervention and the correct level of response.

While coughing fits can be indicative of a respiratory issue, they are less definitive on their own since coughing can occur in non-respiratory emergencies as well. Chest discomfort could signal various conditions, including cardiac emergencies, which might also impact respiratory function but do not exclusively indicate a respiratory issue. A high fever could suggest infection, including respiratory infections, but again does not specifically point to a respiratory emergency without the context of other symptoms like shortness of breath.