North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Priority One patient traits include which of the following?

1. Minor injuries only

2. Airway, breathing, external bleeding

3. Severe pain without life threat

4. Patients able to follow commands

The correct answer is: Airway, breathing, external bleeding

Priority One patients are those who have life-threatening conditions and require immediate intervention and transport. The traits of such patients typically include critical issues with airway, breathing, or circulation. In this context, when a patient presents with problems related to airway compromise, ineffective breathing, or uncontrolled external bleeding, they fall into the category of Priority One. These conditions necessitate the highest level of urgency in pre-hospital care, as timely intervention can be the difference between life and death for these patients. Options indicating minor injuries, severe pain without life threat, or patients who are able to follow commands do not align with the characteristics of Priority One patients. Minor injuries may be serious but do not usually warrant immediate transport as indicated by Priority One criteria. Severe pain without a life threat suggests that while the patient is in discomfort, they do not have an immediate threat to their life. Patients able to follow commands typically indicate a stable condition and are not necessarily in a critical state, further separating them from the traits of Priority One patients.