Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Upon arrival at a potential crime scene with a critically injured patient, what should be your first priority?

1. Call for backup

2. Secure the scene for investigation

3. Provide emergency care to the patient

4. Determine the cause of injury

The correct answer is: Provide emergency care to the patient

When arriving at a potential crime scene with a critically injured patient, the highest priority is to provide emergency care to the patient. This aligns with the fundamental principles of emergency medical services, which prioritize patient care and stabilization above all else. In critical situations, every second counts, and immediate intervention can significantly impact the patient's survival and recovery. This can include assessing the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation, as well as offering necessary medical interventions such as controlling bleeding or providing CPR if needed. While securing the scene, calling for backup, and determining the cause of injury are important aspects of responding to a situation involving potential criminal activity, they should not take precedence over the immediate needs of the patient. Ensuring the patient's safety and providing essential medical support must always be the primary focus of emergency responders in such scenarios.