Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the EMT Intermediate Exam. Access detailed flashcards and multiple-choice questions that come with hints and explanations. Prepare comprehensively for your EMT certification!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

A 39-year-old female struck a tree while traveling approximately 40 mph. When you arrive at the scene, the patient is out of her vehicle and walking around. You should:

Assess for hidden injuries before moving her
Immobilize her in a standing position to a long backboard
Wait for advanced help to arrive
Provide her with fluids

The correct answer is: Immobilize her in a standing position to a long backboard

The most appropriate action in this scenario is to assess for hidden injuries before moving her. Even though the patient is ambulating and appears stable, the mechanism of injury (impact with a tree at 40 mph) raises significant concern for potential internal injuries, including spinal and head trauma, which may not be immediately visible. Immobilizing her in a standing position to a long backboard is not a standard procedure. Proper spinal precautions involve lying the patient down on a backboard, securing them effectively, and avoiding unnecessary movement. This minimizes the risk of exacerbating any potential injuries, particularly spinal column injuries, which can lead to severe complications if not managed correctly. In situations involving trauma, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment followed by immobilization based on findings. Therefore, the assessment for hidden injuries is always prioritized to ensure comprehensive monitoring and care before any physical intervention is taken.