Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the first action to take when finding an unconscious male at the bottom of the stairs without evidence of trauma?

1. Check for breathing and pulse

2. Stabilize his head and open his airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver

3. Administer oxygen immediately

4. Perform CPR as necessary

The correct answer is: Stabilize his head and open his airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver

In the scenario of finding an unconscious male at the bottom of the stairs without evidence of trauma, the priority is to ensure that the airway is open and that there is no obstruction, particularly since there is no indication of trauma that could complicate airway management. Utilizing the jaw-thrust maneuver is a highly effective technique in this context because it allows you to open the airway without putting any pressure on the neck, which is crucial in situations where spinal injury cannot be ruled out completely. By stabilizing his head and opening the airway, you are creating a path for air to enter the lungs, which is critical in assessing whether he is breathing adequately. This action precedes checking for breathing and pulse because if the airway is obstructed, the patient will not be able to breathe effectively regardless of whether they have a pulse. An immediate focus on performing CPR or administering oxygen would be premature unless breathing or circulation issues are confirmed, and ensuring an open airway is vital for effective resuscitation efforts. Therefore, the approach to stabilize the head and open the airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver is the most appropriate first step in this emergency situation.