New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

In the context of a patient experiencing an upper airway obstruction, what immediate action should an EMT take?

1. Perform abdominal thrusts

2. Provide supplemental oxygen

3. Encourage the patient to cough

4. Initiate transport without further action

The correct answer is: Provide supplemental oxygen

The situation of an upper airway obstruction requires immediate intervention to ensure the patient's airway is clear and breathing is restored. In this context, the recommended action is to encourage the patient to cough if they are able to do so. Coughing is a natural mechanism the body uses to expel foreign objects or mucus from the airway. If the patient is conscious and able to cough effectively, this can be the quickest and most effective way to clear the obstruction without applying invasive techniques. Providing supplemental oxygen is typically not the immediate priority in the event of an obstruction. While it is important for a patient to receive oxygen, this measure does not resolve the underlying issue of the obstruction. If the airway is blocked, simply providing oxygen will not aid the patient effectively. Abdominal thrusts may be appropriate if the patient is unable to cough or if they show signs of severe airway obstruction. However, if the patient is still able to cough, it’s preferable to allow them to do so rather than move straight to a more invasive technique like abdominal thrusts. Initiating transport without taking action goes against the principle of addressing life-threatening conditions. In cases of airway obstruction, an EMT must take immediate steps to alleviate the obstruction before considering transport. Therefore, the emphasis on encouraging