EMT Basic Certification Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the first step an EMT should take when arriving at the
scene of an accident?
A. Assess the patient
B. Move the patient
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Start CPR
It is critical to make sure the scene is safe for both the EMT and
the patient before providing care.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary assessment?
A. Checking vital signs
B. Identifying and managing life threats
C. Completing patient history
D. Performing a head-to-toe examination
The primary assessment focuses on immediate life threats,
including airway, breathing, and circulation.
3. What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an
unconscious patient?
A. Vomit
B. The tongue
C. Blood
D. Swelling
, In unconscious patients, the tongue can relax and block the
airway, making airway management critical.
4. How often should an EMT reassess vital signs in a stable patient?
A. Every 5 minutes
B. Every 15 minutes
C. Every 30 minutes
D. Every hour
For stable patients, reassessment every 15 minutes helps monitor
any changes without causing unnecessary disturbance.
5. A patient is having difficulty breathing and has a history of
asthma. What is the first medication an EMT may assist with?
A. Epinephrine
B. Albuterol
C. Nitroglycerin
D. Aspirin
Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used for asthma
exacerbations to improve airway flow.
6. Which type of shock results from severe allergic reactions?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Anaphylactic shock
D. Neurogenic shock
Anaphylactic shock occurs when the body reacts to allergens,
causing widespread vasodilation and airway swelling.
7. How should an EMT position a patient experiencing difficulty
breathing?
A. Lying flat
B. On their stomach
C. Sitting upright
, D. Head hanging back
Upright positioning can help expand the lungs and make breathing
easier.
8. Which pulse is typically used to assess circulation in an
unconscious adult?
A. Radial pulse
B. Carotid pulse
C. Brachial pulse
D. Femoral pulse
The carotid pulse is easily palpable in unconscious adults and
provides an accurate assessment of central circulation.
9. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-
rescuer adult CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 20:2
D. 10:1
Current guidelines recommend 30 chest compressions followed by
2 ventilations for adult CPR.
10. Which sign indicates inadequate breathing in a patient?
A. Normal skin color
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Calm, regular respirations
D. Talking in full sentences
Using accessory muscles suggests the patient is struggling to
breathe effectively.
11. When should an EMT apply a cervical collar?
A. Only if the patient complains of neck pain
B. If there is suspicion of spinal injury
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the first step an EMT should take when arriving at the
scene of an accident?
A. Assess the patient
B. Move the patient
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Start CPR
It is critical to make sure the scene is safe for both the EMT and
the patient before providing care.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary assessment?
A. Checking vital signs
B. Identifying and managing life threats
C. Completing patient history
D. Performing a head-to-toe examination
The primary assessment focuses on immediate life threats,
including airway, breathing, and circulation.
3. What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an
unconscious patient?
A. Vomit
B. The tongue
C. Blood
D. Swelling
, In unconscious patients, the tongue can relax and block the
airway, making airway management critical.
4. How often should an EMT reassess vital signs in a stable patient?
A. Every 5 minutes
B. Every 15 minutes
C. Every 30 minutes
D. Every hour
For stable patients, reassessment every 15 minutes helps monitor
any changes without causing unnecessary disturbance.
5. A patient is having difficulty breathing and has a history of
asthma. What is the first medication an EMT may assist with?
A. Epinephrine
B. Albuterol
C. Nitroglycerin
D. Aspirin
Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used for asthma
exacerbations to improve airway flow.
6. Which type of shock results from severe allergic reactions?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Anaphylactic shock
D. Neurogenic shock
Anaphylactic shock occurs when the body reacts to allergens,
causing widespread vasodilation and airway swelling.
7. How should an EMT position a patient experiencing difficulty
breathing?
A. Lying flat
B. On their stomach
C. Sitting upright
, D. Head hanging back
Upright positioning can help expand the lungs and make breathing
easier.
8. Which pulse is typically used to assess circulation in an
unconscious adult?
A. Radial pulse
B. Carotid pulse
C. Brachial pulse
D. Femoral pulse
The carotid pulse is easily palpable in unconscious adults and
provides an accurate assessment of central circulation.
9. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-
rescuer adult CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 20:2
D. 10:1
Current guidelines recommend 30 chest compressions followed by
2 ventilations for adult CPR.
10. Which sign indicates inadequate breathing in a patient?
A. Normal skin color
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Calm, regular respirations
D. Talking in full sentences
Using accessory muscles suggests the patient is struggling to
breathe effectively.
11. When should an EMT apply a cervical collar?
A. Only if the patient complains of neck pain
B. If there is suspicion of spinal injury
