# Respiratory Distress

Official OCEMS reference: SO-M-035.
Collection: Standing orders. Source topic: Medical - ALS Standing Orders.
Population: All / see source. Scope: ALS.
Source index update: October 1, 2025. Source checked: 2026-09-16.

Independent OC Medic source briefing. The complete official document remains authoritative for exact requirements, exceptions, and clinical or administrative language.

## Document profile

- Document type: Clinical standing order
- Where it fits: Respiratory Distress is an official standing-order reference used to verify assessment, treatment authority, base-contact triggers, and transport direction.
- Document note: Use the complete official document for mandatory wording, exceptions, definitions, and requirements that cannot be reduced safely to directory metadata.

## Use this source safely

- Match the patient, age group, presentation, and provider scope before applying a standing-order pathway.
- Verify medication doses, repeat limits, base-contact requirements, and transport language in the complete current document.
- Check current OCEMS notices and agency direction before field use.
- When the source and a summary differ, follow the current official document and medical or operational direction.

## Related OC Medic guides

- [Respiratory distress](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/respiratory-distress/): Use the wheeze, suspected CHF, or stridor pathway and reassess ventilation.
- [Albuterol](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/albuterol/): Nebulized treatment for bronchospasm, with adult and pediatric protocol distinctions.
- [Nitroglycerin](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/nitroglycerin/): Sublingual adult cardiac/pulmonary-edema treatment and separately authorized transport infusions.
- [Oxygen](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/oxygen/): Adult and pediatric oxygen delivery, ventilation support, and condition-specific exceptions.

## Related official references

- [SO-M-025 - Suspected Acute Stroke or Intracranial Hemorrhage (Stroke Triage Criteria)](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-025-suspected-acute-stroke-or-intracranial-hemorrhage-stroke-triage-criteria/)
- [SO-M-055 - Suspected Sepsis](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-055-suspected-sepsis/)
- [SO-M-015 - Allergic Reaction / Anaphylaxis](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-015-allergic-reaction-anaphylaxis/)
- [SO-M-005 - Abdominal or Flank Pain, Non-Traumatic](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-005-abdominal-or-flank-pain-non-traumatic/)
- [SO-M-020 - Altered Mental Status](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-020-altered-mental-status/)
- [SO-M-010 - Hyperglycemia - Adult / Adolescent](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-010-hyperglycemia-adult-adolescent/)

## Official source

- [Open the official document](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/healthcare/files/2025-10/SO-M-35%20Respiratory%2010-2025.pdf)
- [View the official source index](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/providers-partners/emergency-medical-services/ems-policies-procedures-standing-orders/ems-standing)
- [OCEMS notices and system updates](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/providers-partners/emergency-medical-services)