West Coast EMT Block One Exam

Once entrance and access to a patient have been provided, what is the next step?

1. Allow extrication to commence

2. Perform a primary assessment

3. Administer high-flow oxygen

4. Begin treating his or her injuries

The correct answer is: Perform a primary assessment

Performing a primary assessment is crucial after gaining entrance and access to a patient because it establishes the patient's immediate medical needs and identifies life-threatening conditions. The primary assessment follows the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), ensuring that these critical functions are monitored and corrected if necessary. This step is vital in stabilizing the patient and collecting essential information to guide further interventions. After the primary assessment, you can proceed to the next steps, which may include providing treatment for injuries or addressing other specific emergency conditions. However, without first establishing the patient's status through a thorough primary assessment, any subsequent actions may be misguided or insufficient to address the patient’s immediate needs. Thus, emphasizing the importance of a primary assessment ensures that the EMT can prioritize care effectively.