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

In triage, which of the following injuries would be given the highest priority (red)?

1. Fractured wrist

2. Severe head injury

3. Open abdominal wounds

4. Severe uncontrolled bleeding

The correct answer is: Severe uncontrolled bleeding

In triage, the highest priority injuries are those that pose an immediate threat to life and require urgent medical intervention. Severe uncontrolled bleeding is categorized as a critical condition because it can lead to rapid blood loss and potentially death if not addressed immediately. The body requires a sufficient blood volume to maintain circulation and organ function, and uncontrolled bleeding significantly compromises this. In contrast, the other injuries, while serious, do not typically present the same level of immediate risk to life. A fractured wrist, for example, is painful and limiting but does not threaten life in the short term. A severe head injury and open abdominal wounds are certainly serious conditions that need attention, but they might not be as immediately life-threatening as uncontrolled bleeding, especially in a triage scenario where resources and time are limited. Thus, within the triage system, severe uncontrolled bleeding is prioritized to ensure the highest possible chance of survival for the patient.