For a patient with an open facial injury, what is the EMT's immediate priority?

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Multiple Choice

For a patient with an open facial injury, what is the EMT's immediate priority?

Explanation:
Your first priority is your own safety. An open facial injury can spray blood or fluids, so putting on gloves and facial protection (eye/face shield or mask) is essential before you touch or assess the patient. This is about universal precautions and preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens. After you’re protected, you can proceed to assess and manage the airway, breathing, and bleeding. Airway assessment is important in facial trauma, but it should follow establishing your PPE so you can work safely. Head stabilization is important if spinal injury is suspected, but it doesn’t come before protecting yourself with PPE.

Your first priority is your own safety. An open facial injury can spray blood or fluids, so putting on gloves and facial protection (eye/face shield or mask) is essential before you touch or assess the patient. This is about universal precautions and preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens. After you’re protected, you can proceed to assess and manage the airway, breathing, and bleeding. Airway assessment is important in facial trauma, but it should follow establishing your PPE so you can work safely. Head stabilization is important if spinal injury is suspected, but it doesn’t come before protecting yourself with PPE.

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