Which of the following is NOT a sign of death an EMT can pronounce?

In the context of determining signs of death that an EMT can pronounce, an active heartbeat is not considered a sign of death. When an individual has a detectable heartbeat, even if they are pulseless or apneic, it indicates that there may still be some life signs present. Therefore, an active heartbeat suggests ongoing physiological functions and would not meet the criteria for pronouncing death.

On the other hand, decomposition, decapitation, and a pulseless apneic patient are all indicators that death has occurred. Decomposition refers to the physical breakdown of the body, which cannot occur if the heart is still actively beating. Decapitation is an irreversible condition that clearly indicates death, as it results in the complete severance of the head from the body, preventing any possibility of life. A pulseless apneic patient, while they may appear lifeless, can still potentially be resuscitated under certain circumstances, making the context of an active heartbeat crucial for understanding this distinction.

Thus, the presence of an active heartbeat reinforces the possibility of life, indicating that it is not a sign of death that an EMT can pronounce.