What steps should an EMT take before moving a patient from the scene?

Before moving a patient from the scene, conducting a primary assessment is crucial. The primary assessment allows the EMT to quickly identify any life-threatening conditions and establish the patient's level of consciousness, airway, breathing, and circulation. By assessing these critical factors, the EMT can make informed decisions regarding necessary interventions and prioritize the patient’s needs. This step ensures that the patient is stable enough to be moved, which is essential for their safety and well-being during transport.

Evaluating the mechanism of injury and checking for breathing and pulse are important components of the overall assessment process, but they are often part of the primary assessment. Administering oxygen immediately may be necessary depending on the patient’s condition, but it should follow the initial assessment to determine if it is warranted. Thus, the primary assessment is the comprehensive step that encompasses multiple aspects of patient evaluation, making it the most vital action before moving a patient.