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

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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!

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When caring for a non-breathing patient with a stoma, what is the EMS provider's priority action?

  1. Apply chest compressions

  2. Ventilate through the neck opening

  3. Remove the stoma for assessment

  4. Use a bag-mask device

The correct answer is: Ventilate through the neck opening

When caring for a non-breathing patient with a stoma, the priority action for the EMS provider is to ventilate through the neck opening. This is crucial because traditional methods of ventilation, such as mouth-to-mouth or bag-mask ventilation, are not appropriate for patients with a stoma, as there is no connection to the lungs through the mouth or nose. The stoma serves as an artificial airway, and direct ventilation through this opening is necessary to provide adequate oxygenation. By ventilating through the stoma, the EMS provider can effectively deliver air directly into the trachea, bypassing any obstructions that may be present in the upper airway or mouth. This method ensures that the patient receives the necessary breaths to restore oxygen levels and can be life-saving in an emergency situation. The other actions listed would not be appropriate in this scenario. For instance, applying chest compressions would be necessary if there were no pulse or cardiac activity, but the immediate need in a non-breathing situation is to establish an airway, which makes ventilating through the stoma the priority. Removing the stoma for assessment could cause further obstruction and discomfort, and using a bag-mask device is ineffective as it would not ventilate the lungs properly when a st