EMALB First Responders (FR) Practice EXAM

What should an EMA do if they encounter a patient with a gunshot wound?

1. Provide care and document details

2. Call law enforcement immediately

3. Contact the patient's family

4. Ignore the wound and continue with other patients

The correct answer is: Provide care and document details

In the case of encountering a patient with a gunshot wound, the priority for an Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) should be to provide care and document relevant details. This is crucial because immediate medical attention is vital for the survival and stabilization of the patient. Providing care may include controlling bleeding, ensuring the airway is clear, and monitoring vital signs, all of which can significantly impact the patient's outcome. Documentation of the patient's condition and the care provided is equally important. Accurate records may be essential for any subsequent medical treatments, for legal purposes, and for the continuity of care once the patient reaches a medical facility. Such documentation should include the patient's initial vital signs, the extent of the injury, care administered on-site, and any changes in condition observed during treatment. While notifying law enforcement, contacting the patient's family, and managing multiple patients are important aspects of emergency response, the immediate priority must always be to assess and stabilize the patient experiencing a life-threatening condition like a gunshot wound. Each of the other options plays a role, but they do not take precedence over providing life-saving care to the patient in need.