Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the immediate management priority for a conscious patient with partial-thickness burns and a severe open femur fracture with bleeding?

1. Administer IV fluids

2. Control the bleeding from his leg

3. Provide pain relief

4. Apply burn dressings

The correct answer is: Control the bleeding from his leg

In the scenario described, the immediate management priority is to control the bleeding from the severe open femur fracture. When a patient presents with both burns and a significant fracture, addressing life-threatening conditions takes precedence. In this case, uncontrolled bleeding from the open fracture poses an immediate risk to the patient's life due to potential hypovolemic shock. By focusing on controlling the bleeding, EMTs can stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further complications. Once the bleeding is managed, attention can then shift to other critical areas such as pain relief, fluid resuscitation, and applying appropriate burn dressings. Each of these subsequent interventions is important, but in an emergency setting, addressing severe hemorrhage is the first and most crucial step to ensure the patient's survival.