Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

In addition to bleeding control, what should you do for a 21-year-old male with a large avulsion from a dog bite on the left forearm?

1. Apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

2. Irrigate the wound for at least 15 minutes.

3. Perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment.

4. Replace the avulsed flap to its original position.

The correct answer is: Apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

For a 21-year-old male with a large avulsion from a dog bite on the left forearm, in addition to bleeding control, applying oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask is crucial. Avulsions can result in significant blood loss and compromised oxygenation, making it essential to ensure the patient has adequate oxygen supply to support vital organ function and tissue healing. This intervention can help stabilize the patient's condition while waiting for further medical assistance. Irrigating the wound for at least 15 minutes may be important for some types of wounds, but it may not be the priority in this scenario where significant bleeding and oxygenation issues are present. Performing a rapid head-to-toe assessment would be important for a comprehensive evaluation but may not be the immediate action needed for this specific situation. Similarly, replacing the avulsed flap to its original position may not be recommended as it can lead to further damage or infection; the focus should be on controlling bleeding and ensuring adequate oxygenation.