When encountering an unresponsive patient who may have taken poison, what is the EMT’s first priority?

In the scenario of encountering an unresponsive patient who may have ingested poison, the EMT's first priority is to ensure that the patient's airway is open and clear. Unresponsiveness can lead to airway compromise due to the loss of natural airway protective reflexes, such as gagging or coughing. As a result, the patient may be at high risk for airway obstruction due to tongue displacement or aspiration of gastric contents.

Manually opening the airway allows for the assessment of any potential obstructions, and performing suction, if necessary, helps to clear any secretions or vomit that may hinder breathing. Maintaining an open airway is critical because it is the first step in ensuring effective ventilation and oxygenation. Without a clear airway, subsequent interventions, such as positive pressure ventilation or advanced airway management, cannot be effectively performed.

Other options, like extricating the patient or checking for clues about the poison, do not prioritize immediate airway management, which could compromise the patient's ability to breathe and may lead to further complications. Likewise, providing positive pressure ventilation is only effective if the airway is secured first, as it would be ineffective if the airway is blocked. Thus, focusing on airway management is essential and should always be the first action taken in such emergencies.