A patient with suspected internal bleeding is exhibiting signs of shock. What should be the EMT's immediate priority?

In cases of suspected internal bleeding accompanied by signs of shock, the immediate priority for the EMT is to control any external bleeding if present. This is crucial because controlling external bleeding can help stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further blood loss that may exacerbate the shock.

Internal bleeding can manifest in various ways, and while it is severe and requires prompt medical attention, if there is also external bleeding, it poses an immediate and direct threat to the patient's life. By managing this external bleeding first, the EMT helps to optimize the patient's chances of survival and improve their overall condition before further advanced interventions, such as IV fluid administration or rapid transport, can be enacted.

The focus on controlling external bleeding reflects the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) principles of emergency care, where ensuring adequate circulation is critical in a shock situation. Rapid transport to a hospital and providing emotional support are also important aspects of care, but they come after ensuring the patient is not losing more blood externally.