Which of the following is a contraindication to giving aspirin in EMS?

• A. Allergy to aspirin
• B. Hypertension
• C. History of headaches
• D. Recent caffeine use

Answer: (A)

The main idea is identifying true contraindications to aspirin when treating a patient with suspected heart attack in the field. Aspirin helps prevent further clotting, but it must not be given if the patient is allergic to aspirin, because an exposure could trigger a dangerous allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

Hypertension by itself is not a contraindication; aspirin is often used for chest pain if there’s no bleeding risk. A history of headaches doesn’t prevent use, since headaches are not a safety issue for aspirin in this context. Recent caffeine use also does not affect the decision to give aspirin.

So the reason the option about aspirin allergy is the correct one is because an aspirin allergy directly prohibits administration due to the risk of severe hypersensitivity.