If a patient with chest pain is on nitroglycerin, what is the first step the EMT should take upon arrival?

The appropriate action upon arrival for a patient experiencing chest pain while on nitroglycerin is to check the blood pressure immediately. This step is crucial because nitroglycerin can cause vasodilation, leading to a significant drop in blood pressure. Knowing the patient's blood pressure upon arrival informs the EMT about the patient's hemodynamic stability and helps in determining the next steps in management.

If the blood pressure is low, continuing nitroglycerin could worsen the hypotension. This vital sign assessment is pivotal in guiding other interventions, such as the administration of supplemental oxygen or the decision to transport the patient, ensuring that the care provided is safe and appropriate given the patient's current condition. Assessing pain levels or providing oxygen might also be necessary but should follow the assessment of vital signs to ensure that the patient is stable enough for those interventions.