New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

After arriving at the scene of an electrical burn, what is the EMS provider's most critical first step?

1. Immediately connect AED.

2. Check the patient for entry and exit wounds.

3. Administer oxygen to the patient via nasal cannula.

4. Immediately pull the patient from the electrical source.

The correct answer is: Check the patient for entry and exit wounds.

When responding to a scene involving an electrical burn, assessing the patient for entry and exit wounds is essential for determining the severity of the injury. Electrical burns can cause significant internal damage that may not be visible on the surface. By checking for these wounds, EMS providers can better understand the extent of the injury and prioritize the necessary treatment and interventions. Moreover, identifying entry and exit wounds can help in predicting potential complications, including cardiac dysrhythmias or other organ damage that might occur due to the passage of electrical current through the body. Understanding this can inform actions such as monitoring the patient's vital signs closely and preparing for possible advanced interventions, like cardiac monitoring. While assessing the scene and ensuring the patient is safe is critical, the choice of immediately pulling the patient from the electrical source must be approached with caution. The scene should first be made safe to avoid the rescuer becoming a victim themselves. Connecting an AED or administering oxygen are important steps but become relevant only after evaluating the patient's overall condition. Therefore, the assessment of entry and exit wounds stands out as a foundational step that informs all subsequent care decisions.