West Coast EMT Block One Exam

After primary triage, what should not be communicated to the medical branch officer?

1. The number of patients in each triage category.

2. The total number of patients that have been triaged.

3. The recommended transport destination for each patient.

4. Recommendations for movement to the treatment area.

The correct answer is: The recommended transport destination for each patient.

The correct answer highlights the importance of clear and effective communication during an emergency response, particularly concerning triage and patient management. After primary triage, the information shared with the medical branch officer focuses on the immediate status of the patients and priorities for care. Communicating the number of patients in each triage category, the total number of patients triaged, and recommendations for movement to the treatment area provides critical information for resource allocation and management of the incident. These aspects are essential for coordinating care and ensuring that patients receive timely interventions based on their needs. However, providing recommended transport destinations for each patient can introduce complications and may not be appropriate at this stage. Treatment pathways may shift based on resources available, the evolving situation on the ground, or even the patients' conditions upon further evaluation. Instead, the medical branch officer must evaluate the situation as a whole to make the best decisions regarding destination and treatment, which allows for flexibility and adapts to the dynamic nature of emergency medical responses.