In the case of a patient who has fallen 20 feet and shows signs of weakness and cool, diaphoretic skin, what should be the priority action?

Study for the NOLS Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam confidently!

In a situation where a patient has fallen from a significant height, such as 20 feet, and is exhibiting signs of weakness and cool, diaphoretic skin, the priority should focus on immediate stabilization and addressing life-threatening conditions.

Administering high-flow oxygen can be critical, but before that, it's essential to assess the overall condition of the patient, especially in terms of any potential injuries that may contribute to their current state. Patients showing diaphoresis and weakness may have significant blood loss, shock, or other serious issues stemming from the fall.

A thorough assessment for other injuries is crucial because the mechanisms of a fall from this height can lead to multiple traumatic injuries, including head injury, pelvic fractures, or internal bleeding. Identifying and managing these injuries early on can significantly impact the patient’s outcome.

Assessing for a cervical spine injury is also a vital step, especially in falls, but it should be done as part of a broader examination rather than being the sole focus initially. Checking vital signs is important but falls short of addressing immediate life threats or injuries. Thus, determining the key issue—possible internal or external trauma—is the most critical step to take first in this scenario.

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