Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What would be the priority action of a paramedic responding to a scene with multiple casualties?

1. Begin treatment of the least injured

2. Start first aid on the most critical injuries

3. Record the names and ages of all casualties

4. Contact law enforcement for assistance

The correct answer is: Start first aid on the most critical injuries

When responding to a scene with multiple casualties, the priority action of a paramedic should focus on addressing the most critical injuries first. This is based on the principle of triage, which is designed to maximize the effectiveness of limited medical resources during mass casualty incidents. By starting treatment on the most critical injuries, the paramedic ensures that those who need immediate life-saving interventions receive them. Critical patients are those who have life-threatening conditions, and prompt medical attention can significantly improve their chances of survival. For example, someone with severe bleeding, respiratory distress, or cardiac arrest requires immediate care and should be prioritized. The other choices, while important, do not align with the immediate needs of a multiple casualty incident. Treating the least injured would not effectively allocate resources where they are most needed. Recording names and ages can be important for documentation and future reference but does not contribute to life-saving efforts at that moment. Contacting law enforcement may be necessary for scene safety and coordination, but it should not take precedence over directing medical care to those most in need.