JBL EMT Practice Exam

The determination of whether a medical patient is a high-priority or low-priority transport is typically made:

1. After the primary assessment has been completed

2. As soon as the patient voices his or her chief complaint

3. Once the patient's baseline vital signs are known

4. Upon completion of a detailed secondary assessment

The correct answer is: After the primary assessment has been completed

The determination of whether a medical patient is a high-priority or low-priority transport is typically made after the primary assessment has been completed. This is because the primary assessment includes assessing the patient's level of consciousness, airway, breathing, and circulation which are critical in determining the urgency of the transport. Option B is incorrect because the patient's chief complaint may not always accurately reflect their level of severity. Option C is also incorrect because vital signs alone may not give the full picture of the patient's condition. Option D is also incorrect because a detailed secondary assessment is not always necessary and can be performed en route to the hospital.