Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the most common cause of death immediately following a burn?

1. Shock

2. Toxic chemical inhalation

3. Infection

4. Hypothermia

The correct answer is: Toxic chemical inhalation

The most common cause of death immediately following a burn is typically related to toxic chemical inhalation. When a person is exposed to a fire or combustion, they often inhale smoke and harmful gases, which can lead to respiratory failure or other life-threatening conditions. This inhalation can cause significant damage to the airway and lung tissue, resulting in hypoxia (lack of oxygen) or carbon monoxide poisoning, both of which can be lethal if not addressed immediately. While shock, infection, and hypothermia may be serious complications resulting from burns, they are generally later complications or outcomes rather than immediate causes of death. Shock, for instance, usually arises from extensive fluid loss and can take time to develop following the initial burn injury. Infection is a significant risk with severe burns but often occurs days or weeks later when the skin barrier is compromised. Hypothermia can also result due to the loss of skin integrity, but again, this is a longer-term concern in severe burn cases rather than an immediate cause of death right after the injury.