New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

If you find an unconscious patient who has attempted suicide with an empty drug bottle near them, what should you do first?

1. Open the patient's airway and assess his respirations

2. Ask the police to handcuff the patient for safety

3. Provide care after determining what the drug is

4. Wait for police to examine him before providing care

The correct answer is: Open the patient's airway and assess his respirations

Opening the patient’s airway and assessing their respirations is the appropriate immediate action in this scenario. When encountering an unconscious patient, particularly in a life-threatening situation like a suspected suicide attempt, ensuring the airway is open is critical. An obstructed airway can lead to inadequate oxygenation and further complications, so establishing a clear airway is often the first step in any emergency assessment. After securing the airway, assessing the patient's respirations provides essential information about their current state and informs the next steps in care. Prioritizing airway management aligns with the basic principles of the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) in emergency medicine. This approach allows for timely intervention, which can be lifesaving, especially if the patient has ingested substances that could depress their respiratory function.