West Coast EMT Block One Exam

In triaging a motor vehicle collision, which patient should receive the highest priority?

1. A 50-year-old male with an open head injury

2. A 49-year-old female with diabetes and difficulty breathing

3. A 29-year-old male with femur deformities

4. A 36-year-old female with back pain

The correct answer is: A 49-year-old female with diabetes and difficulty breathing

In a triage situation, the key principle is to assess which patient requires immediate attention to maximize survival chances. In this case, the 49-year-old female with diabetes and difficulty breathing is prioritized due to the potential for respiratory failure, which can lead to rapid deterioration and death if not addressed promptly. Patients experiencing breathing difficulties are always a critical concern in emergency situations. Breathing is essential for life, and any impairment can pose an immediate threat. The combination of her underlying diabetes—a condition that can complicate her situation—alongside her acute respiratory distress enhances the urgency for her care. The open head injury in the 50-year-old male, while serious, does not necessarily guarantee immediate life-threatening status without more information on the severity of the injury and neurological impact. Similarly, a femur deformity in the 29-year-old male, although potentially disabling and painful, is not life-threatening in the same immediate manner as severe respiratory distress. Back pain in the 36-year-old female, while certainly concerning, typically does not require the same level of immediate intervention as a patient struggling to breathe. Thus, the critical nature of respiratory compromise justifies prioritizing this patient for immediate care in the context of triage.