Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

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Prepare for the EMT Trauma Test. Study through flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with our extensive preparation resources!

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A 42-year-old man has a large knife impaled in the center of his chest. He is unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. You should:

carefully remove the knife, control the bleeding, and apply the AED.
carefully remove the knife, control the bleeding, and begin CPR.
secure the knife in place with a bulky dressing and transport immediately.
stabilize the knife with bulky dressings, begin CPR, and transport at once.

The correct answer is: carefully remove the knife, control the bleeding, and apply the AED.

Removing the large knife and controlling the bleeding should be the first priority in treating this patient. The knife could be obstructing the airway and causing severe internal bleeding. The AED should also be applied in case the patient is in cardiac arrest. Beginning CPR would not be helpful until the source of bleeding is controlled. Simply stabilizing the knife with bulky dressings may not be sufficient to control the bleeding and transporting the patient immediately without attempting to remove the knife could lead to further complications.