New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

What is the FIRST action you should take when responding to a scene with a 49-year-old male in severe pain who appears to weigh over 350 lb?

1. Request the fire department if one attempt to move him fails

2. Encourage the patient to walk himself to the awaiting ambulance

3. Assess him and then move him to the stretcher with a direct carry

4. Request additional personnel before making any attempts to lift him

The correct answer is: Request additional personnel before making any attempts to lift him

When arriving at a scene involving a patient who is significantly overweight and in severe pain, the priority is to ensure the safety of both the patient and the responders. Requesting additional personnel before attempting to lift or move the individual minimizes the risk of injury to the responders and prevents potential harm to the patient during the process. Handling a patient weighing over 350 pounds requires proper lifting techniques and adequate manpower to ensure control and safety. Without sufficient personnel, attempting to lift or move the patient could lead to back injuries for the EMTs, as well as a risk of dropping the patient or causing further discomfort to them. Therefore, calling for additional help allows for a coordinated and safe approach to patient care. While assessing the patient is important, it should not take precedence over ensuring there are enough resources to safely manage the situation, particularly when the patient's size may complicate movement. This proactive approach underscores the importance of teamwork and appropriate planning in emergency medical response.