26-1 EMS Protocol Practice Test

The initial step in the EMS primary assessment is to make the scene safe and then quickly check airway, breathing, and circulation to identify any life threats. This approach focuses first on preventing harm to the responders and patient, then on finding conditions that could cause rapid deterioration. By assessing airway patency, breathing effectiveness, and circulation (including bleeding and signs of shock), you determine what needs immediate intervention—opening or protecting the airway, providing ventilation or oxygen, and controlling severe bleeding or improving circulation. These actions take priority over gathering a full history or waiting on other treatments. Checking blood glucose, obtaining a full patient history, or simply applying oxygen without first confirming life threats does not address the most urgent needs. The primary survey guides you to the critical, life-saving steps before moving on to the secondary assessment and more detailed history.