North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

After removing a foreign body from an unconscious patient who is choking, it is essential to check for breathing and circulation. This step is crucial because it helps determine the immediate condition of the patient. Assessing breathing involves looking for chest rise, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for air movement. Checking for circulation includes verifying the presence of a pulse.

If the patient is not breathing and does not have a pulse, this indicates that resuscitation efforts, such as CPR, need to be initiated. Conversely, if the patient is breathing and has a pulse, you can then provide appropriate post-rescue care, such as placing them in a recovery position and monitoring their vital signs. This assessment is vital to ensure that the individual receives the necessary care based on their current state, potentially preventing further complications or deterioration.

Administering oxygen would not be the first step immediately after clearing the airway, as the priority is stabilization through assessment first. Likewise, while notifying emergency services is crucial if assistance has not already been summoned, the immediate focus should be on checking the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation once the obstruction has been cleared.