JBL EMT Practice Exam

You are dispatched to an apartment complex to respond to a shooting. Law enforcement personnel are present and have the suspect in custody. You find the patient lying in a narrow space between the couch and coffee table of his small apartment. He is semiconscious and has a large gunshot wound to his chest. You should:

1. drag the patient into a larger area so that you can begin treatment

2. obtain permission from law enforcement before moving anything

3. quickly move the coffee table so you can access and treat the patient

4. treat the patient where he is so that you do not destroy any evidence

The correct answer is: drag the patient into a larger area so that you can begin treatment

In this scenario, the correct answer is to drag the patient into a larger area so that you can begin treatment. This is because the patient's location in a narrow space between the couch and coffee table may limit your ability to effectively provide the necessary medical interventions. By moving the patient to a more open area, you can ensure better access for assessment, treatment, and the ability to perform necessary procedures. In emergency situations like this, the patient's well-being and prompt medical care take precedence over concerns about the crime scene. While obtaining permission from law enforcement before moving anything and treating the patient where he is may seem cautious, the primary focus should be on the patient's immediate medical needs. Quickly moving the coffee table to access and treat the patient might not be the optimal choice as it may not provide enough space for comprehensive care.