NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamEMS OperationsEasy
An EMT is dispatched to a rural farm for a 65-year-old male who fell from a ladder. Upon arrival, the scene appears safe, and the patient is conscious and alert, complaining of left leg pain. What is the EMT's MOST appropriate next action?
- ABegin gathering a detailed medical history from the patient.
- BImmediately apply a traction splint to the left leg.
- CLoad the patient onto the stretcher for transport to the nearest hospital.
- DConduct a primary assessment to identify any life-threatening conditions.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Conduct a primary assessment to identify any life-threatening conditions.
After ensuring scene safety, the primary assessment is the critical next step to quickly identify and manage any immediate life threats before proceeding with further assessment or treatment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Gathering a detailed medical history is part of the secondary assessment, which follows the primary assessment.
- B. Applying a traction splint is a treatment that occurs during the secondary assessment, after life threats have been ruled out or managed.
- C. Transporting the patient without a thorough assessment could compromise patient care and is not the immediate next step.
Primary Assessment
A rapid, systematic process to identify and correct immediate life-threatening conditions in a patient.
- Performed after scene safety is ensured.
- Focuses on airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure (ABCDE).
- Aims to identify and manage critical issues within minutes.
Memory trick: Safety First, Then Primary, Secondary Follows, Reassess Always.