Which of the following is NOT a presumptive sign of death?

Master the SNHD Advanced EMT Protocols. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Be ready for the AEMT test!

Decapitation is not a presumptive sign of death because it is an obvious, catastrophic injury that results in immediate death, rather than a sign that suggests death has occurred without certainty. Presumptive signs of death are indications that can suggest a person has died but may require further confirmation or clinical assessment.

In contrast, apnea, pulselessness, and unresponsiveness are all considered presumptive signs of death. Apnea indicates the absence of breathing, which can suggest that the individual may have died, but it must be evaluated further to ensure it is not due to a reversible condition. Pulselessness refers to the absence of a detectable pulse and similarly suggests death but does not definitively confirm it without clinical assessment. Unresponsiveness indicates that the person does not react to stimuli, which could signal death, but again requires further examination to confirm.

Thus, decapitation stands apart as a clear and definitive sign of death, rather than a presumptive sign.

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