Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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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!

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In case a patient becomes unresponsive and apneic, what should be the first step taken by the EMT?

Place the patient in a recovery position
Begin CPR and analyze the cardiac rhythm
Assess the patient's vital signs
Administer oxygen immediately

The correct answer is: Begin CPR and analyze the cardiac rhythm

When a patient becomes unresponsive and apneic, the immediate priority is to ensure that circulation and effective ventilatory support are established. Beginning CPR and analyzing the cardiac rhythm is the first and most critical step because it addresses the time-sensitive nature of potential cardiac arrest. CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, including the heart and brain, which is crucial when a patient is unresponsive and not breathing. In these situations, every second counts, and starting CPR ensures that any possibility of the heart being in a shockable rhythm can be addressed promptly. Following the initiation of CPR, the cardiac rhythm should be analyzed using an AED or similar device to determine if defibrillation is required. This approach prioritizes the restoration of circulation and oxygenation, which is vital to improving survival outcomes in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest.