New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

For a patient in an allergic reaction with labored breathing and low blood pressure, if you cannot contact medical control, what should you do?

1. Notify dispatch for paramedic assistance.

2. Administer epinephrine and begin transport while attempting to contact medical control.

3. Elevate the patient's legs and keep her warm before transporting.

4. Immediately load the patient into the ambulance without treatment.

The correct answer is: Administer epinephrine and begin transport while attempting to contact medical control.

In the scenario of a patient experiencing an allergic reaction characterized by labored breathing and low blood pressure, the appropriate action is to administer epinephrine and begin transporting the patient while attempting to contact medical control. This response is vital because the administration of epinephrine is a critical intervention for treating anaphylaxis, as it acts quickly to counteract the effects of severe allergic reactions. Epinephrine helps to relieve airway constriction, improves breathing, and increases blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction. In an emergency medical situation where a patient shows signs of deteriorating health, such as severe respiratory distress and hypotension, the immediate risk to their life takes precedence. The urgency of providing epinephrine and initiating transport ensures that the patient receives necessary treatment as quickly as possible, while still attempting to establish communication with medical control for further guidance. This approach aligns with standard emergency protocols, which emphasize the need for prompt intervention in cases of anaphylactic shock. It is critical to stabilize the patient first, as delays in administering epinephrine could lead to worsened outcomes. Following this course of action is essential for high-quality patient care within the pre-hospital setting.