NREMT Paramedic Cognitive ExamOperationsMedium
A paramedic is responding to a motor vehicle collision involving a single vehicle that struck a tree. The driver is entrapped and conscious, but screaming in pain. Fire department personnel are actively working to extricate the patient. Which of the following is the paramedic's primary responsibility during this phase of the incident?
- AEstablish incident command and direct all scene operations.
- BAssist fire personnel with extrication efforts to speed up patient removal.
- CPrepare the ambulance for transport and wait for the patient to be fully extricated.
- DInitiate medical care, including pain management and hemorrhage control, as access allows.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Initiate medical care, including pain management and hemorrhage control, as access allows.
During extrication, the paramedic's primary role is patient care. This includes providing immediate life-saving interventions and pain management as soon as safe access is gained, rather than assisting with extrication or waiting passively.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While paramedics may be part of the ICS, establishing command is usually a role for the first-arriving senior officer of the primary agency (often fire/police).
- B. Paramedics are not typically trained or equipped for extrication; assisting could compromise patient care and safety.
- C. Waiting passively delays critical medical interventions and pain management, which can impact patient outcomes.
Patient Care During Extrication
Providing essential medical care to an entrapped patient while extrication efforts are ongoing.
- Paramedics are patient advocates during extrication.
- Care includes airway, breathing, circulation, and pain management.
- Safety of personnel and patient is paramount.
Memory trick: Patient First, Even While Trapped.