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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the New York State EMT-B Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Boost your readiness for your exam!

Practice this question and more.

For a patient bitten by a rattlesnake, what action should be taken while transporting them to the hospital?

Place an ice pack over the site of the bite
Place the site of the bite below the patient's heart
Apply heat to the area
Exercise the patient's arm

The correct answer is: Place the site of the bite below the patient's heart

Placing the site of the bite below the patient's heart is essential following a rattlesnake bite. This position helps reduce the spread of venom through the bloodstream, as gravity assists in minimizing the circulation of the toxin. Keeping the affected limb immobilized and below the heart also helps manage swelling and may alleviate some pain. The use of an ice pack, application of heat, or exercising the patient's arm could be detrimental in this situation. Ice can constrict blood vessels and may cause additional tissue damage, heat can promote swelling, and exercise can increase heart rate and circulation, both of which could hasten the spread of venom. Therefore, ensuring the bite site is kept below the level of the heart is the best practice during transport to the hospital.