Which of the following responses is crucial for a victim in respiratory distress?

The correct response for a victim in respiratory distress is maintaining a calm environment. When an individual is experiencing respiratory distress, anxiety and panic can exacerbate their condition, making it more difficult for them to breathe. A calm environment can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which may allow the victim to focus on their breathing and improve their chances of stabilizing their condition.

Creating a supportive atmosphere is essential in such situations. It can involve speaking to the victim in a soothing manner, minimizing surrounding distractions, and providing reassurance. All of these actions can facilitate better breathing and may prevent the situation from worsening.

Encouraging the victim to stay still also has merit since unnecessary movement can increase the demand for oxygen, but the overall atmosphere and emotional state play a significant role in their ability to manage the distress. Providing food or drink is inappropriate; it could pose a choking hazard and does nothing to address their immediate respiratory needs. Lastly, encouraging the victim to breathe faster is counterproductive; hyperventilation can lead to further complications such as decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can induce additional symptoms of distress.