NYS EMT-B State Written Exam 2026 –
Practice Questions & Verified Answers
(Accurate Solutions, A+ Study Guide)
NYS EMT-B State Written Exam 2026 – Practice Questions & Verified Answers
• 200 carefully crafted practice questions covering every domain tested on the
NYS EMT-B State Written Exam, each with five answer options (A–E), a clearly
highlighted correct answer, and a concise EXPERT RATIONALE to reinforce
understanding.
• Use this guide actively — attempt each question independently before checking
the answer, review the EXPERT RATIONALE even when correct, and revisit any
topic where you score below 80% to build exam-day confidence.
1. You arrive on scene to find an unresponsive adult male. After ensuring
scene safety, what is your first action?
A. Begin chest compressions immediately
B. Open the airway using head-tilt chin-lift
C. Check for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds
D. Apply the AED
E. Tap the patient's shoulders and shout "Are you okay?"
Correct Answer: E. Tap the patient's shoulders and shout "Are you okay?"
EXPERT RATIONALE: Before initiating any intervention, the EMT must confirm
unresponsiveness by tapping the shoulders and shouting. This is the first step in the BLS
sequence before calling for help or beginning CPR.
2. Which of the following BEST describes the primary role of an EMT-Basic?
A. Performing advanced airway management including intubation
,B. Diagnosing medical conditions in the field
C. Administering all medications carried on the ambulance without orders
D. Providing emergency medical care and safe transport to a medical facility
E. Performing surgical interventions in life-threatening situations
Correct Answer: D. Providing emergency medical care and safe transport
to a medical facility
EXPERT RATIONALE: The primary role of an EMT-Basic is to assess, provide basic
emergency care, and safely transport the patient to an appropriate medical facility
under medical direction.
3. The "Golden Hour" concept in trauma care refers to:
A. The time it takes to perform a full patient assessment
B. The first 60 minutes after a dispatcher receives a call
C. The critical time period following serious trauma during which definitive
care improves survival
D. The maximum time an EMT can work without a break
E. The time allowed for on-scene treatment before transport
Correct Answer: C. The critical time period following serious trauma during
which definitive care improves survival
EXPERT RATIONALE: The Golden Hour emphasizes that seriously injured trauma
patients have the best chance of survival if they receive definitive surgical care within
one hour of injury.
4. When caring for a patient who refuses treatment, the EMT should FIRST:
A. Restrain the patient and provide care
B. Contact law enforcement immediately
,C. Ensure the patient is competent and inform them of the risks of refusal
D. Leave the scene without documentation
E. Call medical control and leave the patient alone
Correct Answer: C. Ensure the patient is competent and inform them of
the risks of refusal
EXPERT RATIONALE: A competent adult has the legal right to refuse care. The EMT
must confirm the patient is alert and oriented, explain the risks of refusal, and
document the interaction thoroughly.
5. Which of the following is the MOST reliable indicator of adequate breathing
in an adult?
A. Skin color
B. Pulse oximetry reading
C. Rise and fall of the chest with adequate rate and depth
D. Patient's ability to speak
E. Capillary refill time
Correct Answer: C. Rise and fall of the chest with adequate rate and depth
EXPERT RATIONALE: Visual assessment of chest rise and fall combined with rate and
depth provides the most direct and reliable indication of breathing adequacy.
6. A patient is found with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute and
shallow breathing. You should:
A. Apply a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Place the patient in the recovery position
C. Provide positive pressure ventilation with a BVM
D. Monitor and reassess in 5 minutes
, E. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: C. Provide positive pressure ventilation with a BVM
EXPERT RATIONALE: A respiratory rate below 8 with shallow depth indicates
inadequate ventilation. Positive pressure ventilation with a BVM is required to support
breathing.
7. The normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest is:
A. 5–10 breaths per minute
B. 12–20 breaths per minute
C. 20–30 breaths per minute
D. 25–35 breaths per minute
E. 10–12 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B. 12–20 breaths per minute
EXPERT RATIONALE: A normal adult respiratory rate at rest is 12–20 breaths per
minute. Rates outside this range suggest respiratory compromise.
8. Which of the following patients has IMPLIED consent for treatment?
A. A conscious adult who says "I don't want help"
B. A 20-year-old who is alert and oriented
C. An unconscious adult found unresponsive on the street
D. A minor whose parents are present and refusing care
E. A competent elderly patient who signs a refusal form
Correct Answer: C. An unconscious adult found unresponsive on the street
Practice Questions & Verified Answers
(Accurate Solutions, A+ Study Guide)
NYS EMT-B State Written Exam 2026 – Practice Questions & Verified Answers
• 200 carefully crafted practice questions covering every domain tested on the
NYS EMT-B State Written Exam, each with five answer options (A–E), a clearly
highlighted correct answer, and a concise EXPERT RATIONALE to reinforce
understanding.
• Use this guide actively — attempt each question independently before checking
the answer, review the EXPERT RATIONALE even when correct, and revisit any
topic where you score below 80% to build exam-day confidence.
1. You arrive on scene to find an unresponsive adult male. After ensuring
scene safety, what is your first action?
A. Begin chest compressions immediately
B. Open the airway using head-tilt chin-lift
C. Check for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds
D. Apply the AED
E. Tap the patient's shoulders and shout "Are you okay?"
Correct Answer: E. Tap the patient's shoulders and shout "Are you okay?"
EXPERT RATIONALE: Before initiating any intervention, the EMT must confirm
unresponsiveness by tapping the shoulders and shouting. This is the first step in the BLS
sequence before calling for help or beginning CPR.
2. Which of the following BEST describes the primary role of an EMT-Basic?
A. Performing advanced airway management including intubation
,B. Diagnosing medical conditions in the field
C. Administering all medications carried on the ambulance without orders
D. Providing emergency medical care and safe transport to a medical facility
E. Performing surgical interventions in life-threatening situations
Correct Answer: D. Providing emergency medical care and safe transport
to a medical facility
EXPERT RATIONALE: The primary role of an EMT-Basic is to assess, provide basic
emergency care, and safely transport the patient to an appropriate medical facility
under medical direction.
3. The "Golden Hour" concept in trauma care refers to:
A. The time it takes to perform a full patient assessment
B. The first 60 minutes after a dispatcher receives a call
C. The critical time period following serious trauma during which definitive
care improves survival
D. The maximum time an EMT can work without a break
E. The time allowed for on-scene treatment before transport
Correct Answer: C. The critical time period following serious trauma during
which definitive care improves survival
EXPERT RATIONALE: The Golden Hour emphasizes that seriously injured trauma
patients have the best chance of survival if they receive definitive surgical care within
one hour of injury.
4. When caring for a patient who refuses treatment, the EMT should FIRST:
A. Restrain the patient and provide care
B. Contact law enforcement immediately
,C. Ensure the patient is competent and inform them of the risks of refusal
D. Leave the scene without documentation
E. Call medical control and leave the patient alone
Correct Answer: C. Ensure the patient is competent and inform them of
the risks of refusal
EXPERT RATIONALE: A competent adult has the legal right to refuse care. The EMT
must confirm the patient is alert and oriented, explain the risks of refusal, and
document the interaction thoroughly.
5. Which of the following is the MOST reliable indicator of adequate breathing
in an adult?
A. Skin color
B. Pulse oximetry reading
C. Rise and fall of the chest with adequate rate and depth
D. Patient's ability to speak
E. Capillary refill time
Correct Answer: C. Rise and fall of the chest with adequate rate and depth
EXPERT RATIONALE: Visual assessment of chest rise and fall combined with rate and
depth provides the most direct and reliable indication of breathing adequacy.
6. A patient is found with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute and
shallow breathing. You should:
A. Apply a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Place the patient in the recovery position
C. Provide positive pressure ventilation with a BVM
D. Monitor and reassess in 5 minutes
, E. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: C. Provide positive pressure ventilation with a BVM
EXPERT RATIONALE: A respiratory rate below 8 with shallow depth indicates
inadequate ventilation. Positive pressure ventilation with a BVM is required to support
breathing.
7. The normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest is:
A. 5–10 breaths per minute
B. 12–20 breaths per minute
C. 20–30 breaths per minute
D. 25–35 breaths per minute
E. 10–12 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B. 12–20 breaths per minute
EXPERT RATIONALE: A normal adult respiratory rate at rest is 12–20 breaths per
minute. Rates outside this range suggest respiratory compromise.
8. Which of the following patients has IMPLIED consent for treatment?
A. A conscious adult who says "I don't want help"
B. A 20-year-old who is alert and oriented
C. An unconscious adult found unresponsive on the street
D. A minor whose parents are present and refusing care
E. A competent elderly patient who signs a refusal form
Correct Answer: C. An unconscious adult found unresponsive on the street
