When should a paramedic consider intubation for a patient?

Intubation is a critical intervention typically indicated when there are signs of airway compromise. This can include situations where the airway is obstructed, whether due to swelling, trauma, or a loss of protective airway reflexes. In cases of severe respiratory distress, altered mental status, or inability to maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation, securing the airway through intubation becomes a priority to protect the patient and ensure proper airflow to the lungs.

The other options provided do not support the need for intubation. A conscious and alert patient generally has a patent airway and sufficient protective reflexes, making intubation unnecessary or even risky due to the potential for causing further trauma. Administering an allergic reaction medication does not directly correlate with the need for intubation unless there are signs of airway compromise, such as severe anaphylaxis presenting with respiratory distress. Lastly, age alone, such as being under 12, does not dictate the necessity for intubation; clinical assessment of airway status is what guides this decision regardless of age.