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

If the EMS provider is unable to find a patient's peripheral pulse during a Primary Assessment, the next step should be to:

1. Turn on the AED

2. Palpate the carotid pulse

3. Open the airway and insert an OPA

4. Check breathing and begin CPR

The correct answer is: Palpate the carotid pulse

When an EMS provider is unable to find a patient's peripheral pulse during a Primary Assessment, palpating the carotid pulse is crucial for determining circulation. The carotid pulse, located in the neck, is a central pulse that is often easier to assess than peripheral pulses. This step helps to establish whether the patient has any circulation at all, which is vital for the subsequent decision-making process. If the carotid pulse is present, the provider may proceed with further assessments and interventions while monitoring the patient. Conversely, if the carotid pulse is absent, it indicates the need for immediate interventions such as CPR and possibly an AED, but verifying the carotid pulse first is essential in the assessment sequence. While other options may appear relevant, they either do not directly address the immediate need to assess circulation or involve actions that take precedence only after confirming the presence or absence of pulse.