Which of the following hazards should be the first concern of the paramedics in a case of electrical injury?

Prepare for the COPR Primary Care Paramedic Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your certifying exam!

The primary concern for paramedics responding to a case of electrical injury is ensuring safety from further electrical hazards, specifically contact with the power source. This is crucial because if the patient remains in contact with an electrical source, they are at risk of ongoing injury or even fatality due to electric shock or electrocution.

Assessing the scene for safe entry conditions is vital. If the paramedics approach a victim who is still being electrified, they could become victims themselves, which not only endangers the rescuers but also complicates the situation further.

Once the safety of the provider and the environment is ensured, other considerations, like potential fires from electrical failures or the possibility of a residual charge in the patient, can be addressed. However, the immediate priority is ensuring that there is no continued exposure to the electrical current, which is why controlling contact with the power source is paramount in these situations.

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