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

When assessing a conscious trauma patient in pain during the Primary Assessment, what should an EMS provider do next?

1. Obtain the patient's history

2. Assess the injured leg immediately

3. Perform a Detailed Physical Examination

4. Continue with the Primary Assessment

The correct answer is: Continue with the Primary Assessment

In the context of assessing a conscious trauma patient during the Primary Assessment, continuing with the Primary Assessment is the appropriate course of action. The Primary Assessment focuses on identifying and managing life-threatening conditions, prioritizing issues such as airway, breathing, circulation, and severe bleeding. By continuing with the Primary Assessment, the EMS provider ensures that any immediate threats to the patient’s stability are identified and addressed. This step is crucial because if the patient has a life-threatening issue, such as a compromised airway or significant hemorrhage, it must be managed right away before addressing pain or injuries in detail. Obtaining the patient's history, assessing the specific injury, or performing a Detailed Physical Examination are important steps but should follow the initial identification and stabilization of any critical conditions during the Primary Assessment. The sequence of actions taken by the provider can have a significant impact on the patient’s outcome, emphasizing the importance of thorough and systematic evaluation during emergencies.