North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is an important first step in treating a near-drowning patient?

Perform CPR immediately
Do ABCs on this patient
Call for advanced medical support
Provide warm blankets

The correct answer is: Do ABCs on this patient

In responding to a near-drowning situation, the first step is to assess the patient's condition thoroughly, which includes performing an airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) check. The priority in any emergency situation is to ensure that the patient can breathe and has adequate circulation. This systematic approach helps determine the severity of the patient's condition and guides further treatment. Once the ABCs have been evaluated, appropriate interventions can follow, such as calling for advanced medical support if needed or administering CPR if the patient is not breathing or has no pulse. In the case of drowning, patients may also present with complications like hypothermia, which could warrant providing warmth; however, assessing the ABCs remains the critical first action. Therefore, understanding that the ABCs provide a structured method for evaluating a patient's life-threatening conditions is why this step is essential in the management of a near-drowning patient.