Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Test with focused study methods including flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Practice with hints and detailed explanations to boost your readiness for the exam.

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Upon arriving at the scene of a not-breathing child, what should you do if the child is found to be pulseless and apneic?

  1. Begin CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible

  2. Administer rescue breathing only

  3. Assess for obstructed airway only

  4. Call for additional assistance before proceeding

The correct answer is: Begin CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible

When a child is found to be pulseless and apneic, the immediate priority is to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as this is crucial in maintaining blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Starting CPR quickly can dramatically increase the chance of survival by helping restore blood flow to the heart and brain. Using the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible is also vital, as it can analyze the heart rhythm and provide a shock if necessary, especially in cases of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The quicker these interventions are performed, the better the outcomes tend to be in a cardiac arrest scenario. In this situation, other options such as limiting actions to rescue breathing, assessing for an obstructed airway without addressing the breathing and circulation issues, or delaying intervention to call for additional assistance, do not address the immediate needs of a child who is in cardiac arrest. Time is of the essence, and immediate CPR along with AED use is the most effective course of action in this critical situation.