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

What is the overall purpose of the Primary Assessment in emergency medical care?

1. To gather patient history

2. To identify and correct life-threatening problems

3. To establish a rapport with the patient

4. To document vital signs only

The correct answer is: To identify and correct life-threatening problems

The primary assessment in emergency medical care is fundamentally focused on identifying and correcting life-threatening problems. This initial evaluation serves as a critical first step in ensuring that immediate threats to the patient's life are recognized and addressed swiftly. During this process, the EMT assesses the patient's airway, breathing, circulation, and overall responsiveness. The correct choice emphasizes the urgency of dealing with conditions that could rapidly deteriorate the patient’s health, such as severe bleeding, compromised airways, or cardiac arrest. By determining the presence of these threats and intervening accordingly, the EMT can prioritize actions that stabilize the patient and improve outcomes. In this context, while gathering patient history, establishing rapport, and documenting vital signs are important elements of patient care, they do not take precedence over the immediate need to address critical health issues. The primary assessment is all about quick and effective intervention to save lives.