Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the EMT Intermediate Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Get the confidence you need to pass your exam and advance your career in emergency medical services!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which statement about the automated external defibrillator (AED) is NOT correct?

  1. A pulse should be checked immediately after the AED shocks

  2. The AED can be used safely on infants

  3. The pads must be applied directly to the skin

  4. The AED is designed for adults only

The correct answer is: A pulse should be checked immediately after the AED shocks

The statement that a pulse should be checked immediately after the AED shocks is not accurate because the primary action immediately following an AED shock should be to resume high-quality CPR rather than checking for a pulse. When an AED delivers a shock, it is crucial to quickly continue CPR to maintain blood flow and oxygenation until advanced care can be provided or further shocking is instructed by the AED. Checking for a pulse can be time-consuming and may delay resuming effective CPR, which is essential during a cardiac arrest situation. In contrast, using an AED on infants is indeed considered safe with the appropriate pediatric pads or settings. The pads applied to the skin ensure that the electrical current flows effectively through the body, increasing the likelihood of restoring a normal heart rhythm. Additionally, while AEDs are often marketed or labeled for adult use, many devices are designed to be suitable for both adults and children, especially when appropriate pediatric settings and pads are available.