New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Upon finding a patient with difficulty breathing, what should be your first action after ensuring the scene is safe?

1. Ask the patient what's wrong

2. Obtain a set of baseline vital signs

3. Assess the patient's airway status

4. Introduce yourself to the patient

The correct answer is: Introduce yourself to the patient

The immediate priority when you encounter a patient with difficulty breathing is to establish a rapport with the patient, ensuring they feel secure and understand who is assisting them. Introducing yourself helps in building trust, which is essential, especially in stressful situations. While asking what is wrong may seem logical, it is more critical to first assess the patient's airway. If their breathing is compromised, understanding their condition is vital for accurate treatment. Obtaining baseline vital signs is important but secondary to addressing any immediate medical issues, such as potentially ensuring the airway is clear. In emergencies, establishing communication through an introduction and asking the patient questions about their condition while simultaneously evaluating their airway can be very effective. Overall, the focus should always start with confirming safety, making contact, and quickly moving into necessary assessments without delaying care.