Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When managing a critically-burned patient, what is the most important initial step?

1. Administer pain medication as soon as possible

2. Conduct a full body assessment for all burns

3. Rapidly estimate the burn's severity and cover with dry, sterile dressings

4. Place the patient in a cool environment to reduce body temperature

The correct answer is: Rapidly estimate the burn's severity and cover with dry, sterile dressings

The most important initial step when managing a critically burned patient is to rapidly estimate the burn's severity and cover the affected areas with dry, sterile dressings. This approach is critical because it helps to prevent infection and further injury to the burn area, which can be exacerbated by exposure to the environment. Covering the burns with sterile dressings also helps to alleviate pain and protect the skin from contamination. Assessing the severity of the burns allows the healthcare provider to prioritize care based on the extent and depth of the burns, informing decisions about fluid resuscitation and potential transfer to a burn center. Rapid estimation and coverage are essential in the initial management of burns to stabilize the patient and address potential complications effectively. While pain management, conducting a full-body assessment, and ensuring a cool environment are important aspects of burn care, they follow the priority of effective coverage and assessment of burn severity. Active wound care and minimizing the risk of infection are paramount in the early treatment phases to improve patient outcomes.