West Coast EMT Block One Exam

If a patient injured in a vehicle crash is conscious and screaming in pain, what should you do if you encounter a locked door?

1. A. Request the rescue team to extricate him

2. B. Use a pry bar to attempt to open the door

3. C. Break the window and unlock the door

4. D. Ask the patient if he can unlock the door

The correct answer is: D. Ask the patient if he can unlock the door

In a scenario where a conscious patient is in pain and there is a locked door, the best approach is to ask the patient if they can unlock the door. This choice is correct because it engages the patient in their care and allows for the possibility that they may be able to assist in their own extrication, thereby potentially reducing their distress and the need for more drastic measures. Moreover, it is important to consider the patient's safety and emotional state; involving them in the decision-making process can help alleviate some anxiety. If the patient is capable, they may already know the position of the lock and can facilitate a quicker exit without compromising safety or increasing the potential for further injury. Using a pry bar or attempting to break a window could lead to complications such as introducing additional risks to the patient, causing unnecessary chaos, and possibly leading to further injury. Requesting the rescue team to extricate without first assessing the possibility of patient involvement might delay the response time and exacerbate the patient's pain. Therefore, engaging the patient assumes a more considerate and efficient approach in emergency medical situations.