New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

What is the most effective way to determine if a patient’s problem is medical or traumatic?

1. Perform a careful and thorough assessment

2. Establish the patient’s medical history early

3. Note the patient’s general appearance

4. Ask if bystanders are familiar with the patient

The correct answer is: Perform a careful and thorough assessment

Performing a careful and thorough assessment is the most effective way to differentiate between a medical problem and a traumatic one. This process involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's physical condition, which includes taking vital signs, checking for any signs of trauma, examining the patient's mental status, and gathering other pertinent clinical information. Through this assessment, an EMT can gather clues that may indicate a medical issue (such as chest pain potentially linked to a heart problem) versus signs of trauma (like bruising or deformities suggesting an injury). While establishing the patient's medical history and noting their general appearance can provide helpful information, these methods alone may not be sufficient to make a definitive distinction between medical and traumatic issues. Additionally, asking bystanders about the patient can sometimes give context but does not replace the need for an in-depth assessment of the patient’s current condition. Therefore, a thorough assessment remains the cornerstone for identifying the nature of the problem.