New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is your first action when responding to a call for a possible suicide involving a locked basement?

1. Enter the basement immediately

2. Request police assistance before entering

3. Try to speak with the patient through the door

4. Call for backup EMS support

The correct answer is: Request police assistance before entering

When responding to a call for a possible suicide, the safety of both the patient and the emergency responder is paramount. Requesting police assistance before entering is the appropriate first action in this situation for several reasons. Firstly, the situation could be unsafe for the EMT. Locked areas may indicate that the individual is in a distressing state that could lead to further self-harm or harm to others. Police can help ensure that the scene is secure and that any potential threats are neutralized. Secondly, police are trained to deal with crisis situations, including those involving potential suicide. They can assess the situation and determine if it is safe for medical personnel to proceed. Thirdly, approaching the individual without a plan or backup can escalate the situation, leading to further risk for everyone involved. By requesting assistance, the EMT is prioritizing both their own safety and the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, other options like entering the basement immediately or trying to speak through the door may lead to increased risk and worsen the situation, while calling for backup EMS support may not sufficiently address the potential dangers present. Thus, engaging law enforcement first is the most prudent and safest course of action.