New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

According to emergency response protocols, what is the priority when assessing a patient?

1. Check for responsiveness

2. Assess airway and breathing

3. Activate emergency response

4. Control bleeding

The correct answer is: Assess airway and breathing

Assessing a patient requires a systematic approach that prioritizes immediate life threats, particularly those involving the airway and breathing. When responding to an emergency situation, the first step is to ensure that the patient is responsive, but it is crucial to rapidly follow up on the airway and breathing status since these are vital for survival. Airway and breathing assessments determine if the patient can effectively obtain oxygen, which is essential for maintaining vital organ functions. If the airway is obstructed or breathing is inadequate, immediate interventions must be initiated to restore a clear airway and achieve adequate ventilation. This can include repositioning the patient's head, using suction if necessary, or providing artificial ventilation. While checking for responsiveness is important as it provides initial insight into the patient's consciousness and potential neurological function, it does not address the most critical areas of immediate concern. Activating emergency response is a vital step in ensuring advanced care is on the way, but this would occur after ensuring that the patient’s immediate needs for airway and breathing are established. Controlling bleeding is also essential but is secondary to assessing and maintaining airway and breathing stability, as massive bleeding should be addressed after confirming that the airway is clear and the patient is breathing appropriately. In summary, assessing airway and breathing takes precedence because it directly