Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

In which situation would a paramedic prioritize transport over further assessment?

1. When the patient requests to stay at the scene

2. When the patient has stable vital signs

3. When the patient has severe mechanism of injury and unstable vital signs

4. When the paramedic suspects minor injuries

The correct answer is: When the patient has severe mechanism of injury and unstable vital signs

In a scenario where the patient has experienced a severe mechanism of injury and presents with unstable vital signs, the prioritization of transport over further assessment is crucial. Unstable vital signs indicate that the patient's condition is deteriorating and possibly life-threatening, necessitating immediate medical attention that cannot be sufficiently provided at the scene. The severity of the mechanism of injury suggests that there could be significant internal injuries or other critical complications that require rapid intervention, making transport to an appropriate medical facility paramount. In contrast, options involving stable vital signs, patient requests to remain at the scene, or suspected minor injuries would not warrant the same urgency for transport. Stable vital signs may allow for further assessment to determine the extent of the injuries, while a patient's request to stay, even if taken into consideration, does not outweigh the clinical need for care if a severe mechanism of injury is present. Suspected minor injuries usually permit more time for evaluation and decision-making regarding transport. Thus, prioritizing transport when faced with severe mechanisms of injury and unstable vital signs aligns with established protocols for effective emergency care.