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

What is the airway management step to establish after stabilizing the head in an accident scenario?

1. Provide supplemental oxygen

2. Check for a pulse

3. Establish an airway

4. Assess the patient's breathing

The correct answer is: Establish an airway

Following the stabilization of the head in an accident scenario, the next critical step in airway management is to establish an airway. In emergency situations, maintaining a patent airway is essential to ensure that the patient can receive adequate oxygenation. Stabilizing the head helps to prevent further injury, especially in cases of suspected spinal injury, allowing the rescuer to proceed safely with airway management techniques. Establishing an airway involves positioning the patient's head correctly and may require techniques such as the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver or the use of adjunct airway devices, depending on the patient's level of responsiveness and airway patency. This step is crucial, as a compromised airway can lead to hypoxia and potentially life-threatening complications. While supplemental oxygen and assessing the patient's breathing are important components of patient care, they come after the airway has been established. Checking for a pulse, although vital in assessing circulation, is not the immediate focus following head stabilization, which is primarily aimed at ensuring the patient can breathe effectively.