New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Upon arriving at a motor vehicle crash, what should you do if you find a semiconscious patient with a large laceration?

1. Direct your partner to apply manual in-line support of the patient's head

2. Apply a cervical collar and quickly remove the patient with a clothes drag

3. Apply a vest-style extrication device before attempting to move the patient

4. Slide a long backboard under his buttocks and lay him sideways on the board

The correct answer is: Direct your partner to apply manual in-line support of the patient's head

In this scenario, directing your partner to apply manual in-line support of the patient's head is crucial because it helps stabilize the cervical spine. A semiconscious patient with a large laceration raises concerns about potential head or spine injuries, particularly in the context of a motor vehicle crash where such injuries are common. Manual in-line stabilization minimizes movement of the head and neck, reducing the risk of further injury during assessment and treatment. Maintaining proper spinal alignment is essential, especially when dealing with semiconscious patients who may have a reduced ability to protect their airway. By stabilizing the head, you can help prevent any unnecessary movement that could exacerbate a spinal injury or lead to complications such as airway obstruction. After ensuring cervical stabilization, further assessments and stabilization techniques—like applying a cervical collar or evacuation methods—can be appropriately performed. The other choices involve actions that could potentially compromise spinal integrity or are not recommended in an acute care way for a semiconscious patient. For instance, quickly removing the patient without appropriate spinal protection or dragging could cause harm, as could laying the patient sideways. Thus, ensuring the head and neck are stabilized first is the most prudent action in this situation.