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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What is the best approach for preparing to transport a patient with significant back pain after a fall?

Pedal the gurney for comfort
Quickly immobilize on a flat surface
Provide gentle movement to ease pain
Ask the patient to assist in movement

The correct answer is: Quickly immobilize on a flat surface

When preparing to transport a patient with significant back pain after a fall, the priority is to ensure the patient's safety and minimize further injury. Quickly immobilizing the patient on a flat surface is crucial because it helps to stabilize the spine and reduces the risk of exacerbating any potential spinal injury that may have occurred during the fall. By securing the patient properly, you prevent unnecessary movement that could lead to additional pain or damage to the spinal column. In cases of back pain, especially after trauma, it's important to handle the patient with care and keep their body in a neutral position. This immobilization can be achieved using a backboard or a stretcher, ensuring that the patient's back is supported and aligned correctly during transport. The other options do not prioritize the patient's safety or comfort effectively. For instance, pedaling the gurney, providing gentle movement, or asking the patient to assist in movement could all risk aggravating the patient’s condition, which is why rapid immobilization to secure the spine is the most appropriate and beneficial approach.