What should a paramedic do when a child has a foreign object lodged in the ear?

When dealing with a child who has a foreign object lodged in the ear, the most appropriate action is to reassure the mother and transport the patient. This is crucial because foreign objects in the ear can lead to complications if an attempt is made to remove them improperly. The child may be in distress, and soothing the parent and child helps alleviate anxiety, ensuring a calming environment during transport.

Transporting the patient to a medical facility allows for proper evaluation and management by healthcare professionals trained in dealing with such emergencies. Medical practitioners have the appropriate tools and techniques to safely remove foreign objects from the ear without causing additional harm or injury to the child.

The other choices involve actions that could be harmful or inadequate for handling the situation. Flushing the ear canal with water, for instance, may not be effective with certain objects and could push the object deeper or cause injury to the ear. Attempting to remove the object with tweezers could also risk damaging the ear canal or eardrum. Lastly, simply referring the patient to a family physician does not address the immediate need for care and could lead to complications if the situation is not managed swiftly.