What should be done when responding to a patient who inhaled ammonia after escaping a building?

When responding to a patient who has inhaled ammonia, it is crucial to prioritize safety for both the responder and the patient. Approaching from upwind ensures that the responder is not exposed to the ammonia fumes, which can be hazardous and potentially harmful to health. By approaching from this position, the responder minimizes their risk of inhalation, allowing for a safer assessment and treatment of the patient.

This method helps establish a safe pathway for assessments and interventions while ensuring that emergency services are aware of the potential hazards in the environment. In contrast, approaching from downwind could put the responder at risk of being swept toward the hazardous fumes, and other options like immediate transport or providing oxygen without proper assessment could overlook critical initial safety and assessment measures.

Therefore, approaching from upwind is the most appropriate action in this scenario, focusing on the safety of the responder while ensuring patient care can be provided effectively.