New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Which assessment would you perform first on an unconscious patient?

1. Breathing assessment

2. Pulse assessment

3. Airway check

4. Response assessment

The correct answer is: Airway check

The correct answer is to perform an airway check first on an unconscious patient because maintaining a clear airway is crucial in emergency situations. An unconscious patient may have a compromised airway due to the relaxation of tongue muscles or other factors, which can lead to life-threatening respiratory issues. The airway must be assessed and possibly secured immediately to ensure that the patient can breathe adequately. If the airway is obstructed, addressing this issue takes priority over other assessments, such as breathing or pulse checks. In emergency care, the primary focus is to follow the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), which highlights the importance of airway management. By checking the airway first, EMTs can make quick decisions about the need for interventions such as repositioning the head, suctioning, or providing assisted ventilation if necessary, thereby preventing further complications that could arise if the airway is not secured. Other assessments, while important, come after ensuring that the airway is clear. For instance, breathing assessment and pulse check can only be effectively evaluated once the airway is confirmed to be open and functional. The response assessment, while critical for gauging consciousness levels, does not take precedence over ensuring the airway is stable, as an unconscious state may render the patient unresponsive to stimulus, but