What should a volunteer EMT do first upon suspecting a biological attack in a patient?

The first priority for a volunteer EMT upon suspecting a biological attack is to ensure personal safety and prevent further exposure to potentially dangerous pathogens. By momentarily returning to the ambulance to retrieve and put on an N95 mask, the EMT is taking a crucial step to protect themselves from inhaling airborne infectious agents. The N95 mask is designed to filter out a significant number of airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses, which is essential in a situation involving a suspected biological attack.

Once the EMT is properly equipped with personal protective equipment, they can then focus on assessing the patient and gathering vital information about the situation. Addressing personal safety first is imperative in any emergency response scenario, especially one that involves the potential for hazardous biological agents that could affect both the patient and the responders.

Other options, while they may seem relevant, do not prioritize immediate personal safety in a high-risk situation. For example, notifying the local health department is an important step, but it should come after ensuring that the EMT is protected. Similarly, undressing the patient without proper protective gear could lead to further exposure to the biological agent, and while obtaining a history is crucial for patient care, this should occur after the EMT has safeguarded themselves from potential harm.