North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

If a patient is not breathing during START Triage, what action should be taken?

1. Assess mental status

2. Open the airway

3. Check the pulse

4. Move to the next patient

The correct answer is: Open the airway

In the context of the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) triage system, if a patient is found to not be breathing, the appropriate immediate action to take is to open the airway. This is critical because the absence of respirations indicates a potential airway obstruction or other life-threatening condition. By opening the airway, the rescuer can determine if the patient has any chance of breathing adequately or if further interventions are necessary. Opening the airway allows the EMT to assess whether the patient is able to resume breathing independently or if they require additional steps, such as assisted ventilation or advanced airway management. This step is foundational because establishing or restoring an adequate airway is vital to maintaining oxygenation and perfusion to vital organs, significantly influencing the patient’s chance of survival. The other actions, such as assessing mental status or checking for a pulse, are secondary to ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient can breathe. If a patient is not breathing, the priority must be to address that issue first before proceeding with further assessments or moving on to another patient.