EMR - Scene Size-up and Safety — Quick Review

Dispatch reports a 45-year-old male with chest pain at a residence. While en route, which action best supports an effective pre-arrival plan?

Mentally review the equipment and interventions likely needed for a cardiac patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait until arrival to determine what equipment will be needed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contact medical direction to begin treatment orders before reaching the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request law enforcement respond to all medical calls as a default precaution

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are dispatched to a reported assault at an apartment complex. Dispatch states the caller sounded frightened and the altercation may still be ongoing. What is the most appropriate pre-arrival action?

Stage at a safe distance and wait for law enforcement to confirm the scene is secure before approaching

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Proceed directly to the scene because the caller may need immediate medical attention

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contact dispatch and request confirmation of the address before responding at all

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the scene quietly without lights or sirens to avoid escalating the situation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch advises that a two-vehicle crash has occurred on a highway with possible entrapment and a fuel leak. Which pre-arrival consideration is most important for the EMR?

Anticipate the need for fire suppression resources and request them early if not already dispatched

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Plan to use hydraulic rescue tools to free the entrapped patient immediately on arrival

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assume the scene is safe because fire personnel will arrive at the same time

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Prepare to bypass the scene and transport the patient directly to the hospital

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are dispatched to a reported unconscious person in a parking garage. Dispatch has limited information and cannot confirm whether the patient is alone. Which combination of pre-arrival actions reflects best practice?

Request law enforcement as a precaution and plan to assess the scene for hazards before approaching the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Proceed rapidly because unconscious patients have no airway protection and every second matters

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request hazmat because parking garages frequently contain carbon monoxide at dangerous levels

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask dispatch to contact the patient by phone to confirm their level of consciousness

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The primary purpose of gathering dispatch information while en route to a call is to:

Form a preliminary mental framework of the scene and likely patient needs before arrival

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Determine the exact diagnosis so treatment can begin immediately on arrival

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Decide whether the call warrants a response or can be handled by phone advice

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Identify which crew member will take the lead role before reaching the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Standard precautions require the EMR to treat all patient body fluids as if they are:

Potentially infectious regardless of the patient's known diagnosis

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Non-infectious unless the patient has a documented communicable disease

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Infectious only when they are visibly contaminated with blood

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A biohazard requiring full hazmat-level protection for every patient contact

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is caring for a patient with a minor laceration that has stopped bleeding. There is no indication of respiratory illness. Which BSI selection is most appropriate?

Examination gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No PPE is necessary because active bleeding has stopped

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves and a surgical mask as a minimum precaution for all patient contacts

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at the scene of a patient who is coughing forcefully and producing large amounts of bloody sputum. Which BSI selection is most appropriate before approaching this patient?

Gloves, eye protection, mask, and gown

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves only, because sputum is not considered a high-risk body fluid

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves and a gown, because eye and respiratory protection are only needed in hospitals

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves and eye protection, because a mask is not required unless the patient has a confirmed airway infection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient’s family member tells you the patient was recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis. Beyond gloves, which additional BSI component is most critical for the EMR to add?

A properly fitted N95 respirator

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A standard surgical face mask worn over the gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A gown, because tuberculosis is transmitted primarily through skin contact

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Eye protection, because tuberculosis spreads via conjunctival exposure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are the first EMR on scene for a patient with a suspected opioid overdose who is unresponsive and has vomited. You need to open the airway and suction. Which BSI ensemble is most appropriate?

Gloves, face shield or mask with eye protection, and gown

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves alone, because opioid overdose is not a bloodborne pathogen situation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves and a surgical mask only, because suctioning does not generate significant splash

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Full hazmat PPE, because skin contact with the substance poses a high overdose risk

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR realizes mid-call that they did not don gloves before making patient contact with a bleeding wound. The most important immediate action is to:

Move to a position where gloves can be donned without further contaminating the environment, then don gloves and continue care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Complete the call without interruption since donning gloves at this point offers no additional protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediately withdraw from patient care and transfer responsibility to another responder

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply hand sanitizer to the exposed hands and continue care without donning gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

When donning PPE before a call with a high splash risk, what is the correct sequence?

Gown, mask, eye protection, then gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves, gown, mask, then eye protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mask, gloves, gown, then eye protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Eye protection, gloves, gown, then mask

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

After managing a patient with copious bleeding, the EMR must remove contaminated PPE. Which step is most important to prevent self-contamination during doffing?

Remove gloves first using a technique that keeps the contaminated outer surface away from bare skin, then perform hand hygiene before touching the face or other PPE

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove the gown first, then the gloves, to keep the hands protected the longest

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove the mask first to clear the airway, then remove gloves and gown together

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove all PPE simultaneously and dispose of it as a single bundle to minimize handling

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are dispatched to a hazardous materials scene where a chemical splash has injured several bystanders. Law enforcement has established a perimeter. As the first EMR, which PPE action is appropriate?

Do not enter the hot zone; remain in the cold zone and don PPE appropriate for the level of hazard identified by hazmat personnel before treating any patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don standard examination gloves and enter the scene to provide immediate life-saving care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the warm zone with a gown and N95 to triage patients before hazmat arrives

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the closest injured patient and remove their clothing to decontaminate them

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

After doffing PPE from an aerosol-generating procedure, an EMR discovers a small tear in one of their examination gloves. The most appropriate action is to:

Wash the affected hand thoroughly with soap and water, report the potential exposure per agency protocol, and complete an exposure report

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply hand sanitizer to the affected area and resume normal activities since tears in gloves rarely result in infection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don a new pair of gloves over the torn pair and continue until the shift ends, then report

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Discard the glove and reassess the hand visually; if no break in skin is present, no further action is needed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

After removing contaminated gloves, the EMR should:

Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before touching any other surface

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Inspect the hands visually and proceed if no contamination is visible

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply a new pair of gloves immediately to maintain a continuous barrier

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wipe the hands with a dry paper towel and then don fresh gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a two-car crash on a busy highway. What is the first priority before exiting your vehicle?

Assess oncoming traffic and ensure your vehicle is positioned to protect the scene before exiting

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Exit the vehicle immediately and run to the closest patient to begin triage

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contact dispatch to confirm the address matches the crash location

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don your gloves inside the vehicle so you are ready to treat patients upon exiting

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a residential structure fire where a patient is reported to be inside. The fire is not yet controlled and smoke is visible from the windows. Which action is correct?

Stage outside the structure, do not enter, and wait for fire suppression personnel to make entry

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the structure with a wet cloth over your face to filter smoke while locating the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter only if the patient is reported to be near an exterior door or window

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the structure if you can hear the patient calling for help

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

On arrival at a domestic disturbance call, law enforcement has cleared the scene and one patient is seated calmly. While assessing the patient, a second person enters the room and begins shouting aggressively at the patient. The EMR’s most appropriate action is to:

Move to a position near the exit, reassess the safety of the scene, and be prepared to withdraw if the situation escalates

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue the patient assessment while verbally de-escalating the shouting individual

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask the patient to instruct the individual to leave the room before continuing care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Physically restrain the aggressive individual until law enforcement can return

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a basement apartment where a patient has been found unresponsive. Neighbors state a propane heater has been running all night with the windows closed. The door to the unit is closed and the patient is visible through a small window. What is the correct course of action?

Do not enter; call for hazmat and fire resources, ventilate remotely if possible, and treat this as a potential carbon monoxide or oxygen-deficient atmosphere

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Open the door quickly to ventilate the space and then enter to retrieve the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter only if the patient appears pulseless, because the risk of cardiac death outweighs the entry hazard

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Hold your breath and enter to drag the patient to fresh air, then exit immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are treating a patient at a construction site when you notice a large section of scaffolding above you appears unstable. The patient has a suspected spinal injury. What is the correct action?

Move the patient away from the unstable structure using the most expedient means available, even if spinal precautions cannot be fully maintained, then reassess

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Maintain full spinal immobilization and wait for the construction crew to stabilize the scaffolding before moving the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Verbally instruct the patient not to move while you inspect the scaffolding yourself

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Treat in place and document that the risk of movement outweighed the structural hazard

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a night scene involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, which environmental hazard poses the greatest ongoing risk to the EMR and should be continuously reassessed throughout the call?

Vehicles in the travel lane not yet redirected by traffic control

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wet pavement reducing traction near the patient care area

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Limited lighting making patient assessment more difficult

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Bystanders crowding the scene and limiting access to the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a commercial truck crash and notice a diamond-shaped placard with the number 1993 on the back of the trailer. What does this four-digit number represent?

The UN identification number for the specific hazardous material

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The emergency response guide page number to reference

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The weight in pounds of the hazardous cargo

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The DOT hazard class number for the material

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a scene where an overturned tanker is leaking an unknown liquid. Bystanders are gathering near the vehicle. Your most immediate action should be to:

Keep bystanders away and stage upwind and uphill from the spill

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the vehicle to read the placard before calling for resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin triaging bystanders who may have been exposed to the liquid

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Place a call to the hospital to activate the decontamination team

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A placarded vehicle is involved in a collision. The placard background is red with a white flame symbol. Which hazard class does this indicate?

Flammable or combustible liquids

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Explosive materials

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Oxidizing agents

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Radioactive materials

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During scene size-up at a warehouse fire, you notice green-colored placards on several storage containers. This color most likely indicates:

Non-flammable, non-toxic compressed gases

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Toxic gases

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Poisonous materials

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Radioactive substances

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are called to a scene where several workers report burning eyes and difficulty breathing after a chemical release inside a factory. There are no visible placards accessible from the safe perimeter. What is your best initial action?

Establish a safe perimeter, deny entry, and request hazmat resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Instruct workers to walk out of the building so you can assess them

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter with a surgical mask for protection to find the chemical's label

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin decontaminating exposed workers using available water sources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to a leak from a transport vehicle carrying chlorine. Chlorine is a toxic gas that is also a strong oxidizer. Based on these chemical properties, which combination of hazards should you anticipate?

A gas that can intensify a fire and cause severe respiratory and mucous membrane injury even at low concentrations

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A flammable liquid that produces corrosive vapors only after it ignites

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A radioactive material that requires evacuation of a one-mile radius

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An explosive gas whose main danger is a blast wave rather than inhalation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During scene size-up of a vehicle collision, you notice white placards with a black skull-and-crossbones symbol and the number 6 in the lower corner. Which of the following best describes the appropriate initial isolation action?

Isolate the immediate area and move bystanders upwind, keeping all untrained responders out until hazmat assesses the release

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Treat the scene as a fire hazard only and request engine suppression companies

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach with standard latex gloves to identify the specific substance from the shipping papers

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No special isolation is needed unless the substance is actively spilling

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are dispatched to a residence where a 68-year-old man is reported to be unresponsive. On arrival, his wife states he complained of chest pain before collapsing. This call is best classified as:

Nature of illness (NOI)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mechanism of injury (MOI)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Both MOI and NOI equally

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Undetermined until a physical exam is performed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A 25-year-old construction worker fell from a ladder approximately 15 feet to a concrete surface. He is alert and complaining of back pain. Your scene size-up should identify this as:

Significant mechanism of injury involving a fall greater than three times the patient's height

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A low-acuity mechanism because the patient is conscious and alert

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Nature of illness, since back pain is a medical complaint

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An unclear mechanism until the patient's height is confirmed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to a motor vehicle collision where a restrained driver struck a telephone pole at highway speed. The airbag deployed and the steering wheel is bent. The patient denies pain and appears uninjured. How should you interpret the MOI?

The MOI is significant and the patient should be assessed for hidden injuries regardless of reported symptoms

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The MOI is minor because the patient is restrained and reports no pain

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The MOI is significant only if the patient reports pain or loss of consciousness

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The airbag deployment cancels out the significance of the mechanism

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a scene where a 45-year-old woman was reportedly unresponsive for a few minutes and is now awake and sitting up. Bystanders state she did not fall or strike anything. She reports a headache. This presentation is best classified as:

Nature of illness, with syncope as the likely event and headache as a symptom requiring further assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mechanism of injury, because the patient may have struck the ground during the syncopal episode

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Both MOI and NOI equally, requiring full spinal precautions regardless

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Undetermined until the patient's blood pressure is measured

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A 14-year-old was involved in a low-speed bicycle collision. He fell to the grass from an estimated height of two feet and denies any symptoms. How should the EMR classify and manage this MOI?

Minor MOI with low likelihood of significant injury, but a focused physical assessment is still required

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Significant MOI requiring full spinal immobilization regardless of symptoms

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Nature of illness because the patient has no reported pain

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The MOI cannot be assessed without imaging confirmation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a scene where a 72-year-old man is found on the floor. His wife states he became confused and fell in the hallway. He has a laceration to his forehead and is now unresponsive. Which of the following best describes the assessment challenge presented by this scenario?

A primary medical event may have caused the fall, with a secondary traumatic injury, so both the illness and the injury must be assessed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The mechanism of injury takes priority because the head laceration is the most visible finding

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The nature of illness takes priority because confusion in the elderly is always medical in origin

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An illness and an injury cannot coexist, so the most recent event determines the classification

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a multi-vehicle crash on a highway and can see at least five patients scattered around two damaged vehicles. Your partner begins walking toward the vehicles. Your most appropriate initial action is to:

Report the scene findings to dispatch and request additional units before approaching patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Have your partner begin triage while you drive the ambulance closer

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin treating the most visibly injured patient first

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Await law enforcement before taking any action

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

On arrival at a residential fire, you observe six people who have exited the building. Two appear to be injured. How many patients should you report to dispatch at this time?

Report all six individuals as potential patients until each is assessed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Report only the two who appear injured

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Report none until you have personally assessed each person

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Report six but specify that only two require EMS care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are the first responder at a school where approximately 30 students report symptoms after a suspected gas leak. What is your immediate priority regarding resources?

Declare a multiple casualty incident, request hazmat, additional EMS units, and law enforcement from dispatch immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin triaging students and call for additional resources only if their conditions worsen

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Escort all students outside, then reassess the number of patients before calling for help

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request one additional ambulance and reassess resource needs after 10 minutes

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a motor vehicle collision involving a minivan and a sedan. The minivan has visible damage to all doors and both vehicles sustained significant intrusion. Before approaching any patients, you should:

Survey the scene to count all occupants in both vehicles and report the total patient count to dispatch

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the closest victim and begin assessment before counting patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assume two patients since only two vehicles are involved

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait for law enforcement to clear the scene before counting patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to a reported two-car collision and arrive to find four patients, one of whom is in cardiac arrest. You and your partner are the only responders on scene. Which of the following best reflects the correct prioritization of actions?

Immediately request additional resources and ALS while your partner begins CPR, then assess the remaining patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Both you and your partner focus entirely on the cardiac arrest patient until ALS arrives

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Triage all four patients first before beginning any interventions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin CPR on the arrest patient alone and delay calling for help until ALS is in range

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a scene where a 55-year-old male is conscious but reports crushing chest pain radiating to his left arm, sweating, and nausea. Which additional resource is most appropriate to request?

Advanced life support (ALS)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Fire suppression unit

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement for crowd control

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to a reported stabbing and arrive to find bystanders stating the attacker is still in the area. The patient is on the ground with a visible wound. What resource should you request before approaching the patient?

Law enforcement to secure the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

ALS for advanced wound management

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical transport for rapid evacuation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Fire department for scene lighting

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are the first responder at a rural motor vehicle collision where a critically injured patient is 45 minutes by ground transport from the nearest trauma center. The patient has altered mental status, suspected internal bleeding, and deteriorating vital signs. Which resource is most appropriate to request?

Air medical transport to reduce time to definitive trauma care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A second ground ambulance to assist with patient packaging

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

ALS intercept to administer IV fluids en route

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement to escort the ambulance at increased speed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a trench collapse where one construction worker is trapped from the waist down under soil. He is conscious, alert, and reporting leg pain. The trench walls appear unstable. Which combination of resources should be requested?

Technical rescue team, ALS, and fire department for scene stabilization and patient extraction

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

ALS only, as the patient is conscious and the extraction can be managed by bystanders

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement and a second ambulance for traffic control and patient transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical transport and hazmat, as soil may contain chemical contamination

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During START triage, a non-ambulatory patient is breathing at 22 breaths per minute, has a present radial pulse, and follows a simple command. What triage category is assigned?

Yellow (Delayed)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Red (Immediate)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (Minor)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (Expectant)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

In START triage, what is the first action an EMR should take when approaching a large group of patients at a multiple-casualty incident?

Direct all patients who can walk to move to a designated area

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin assessing the most visibly injured patient first

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Count the total number of patients before starting triage

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediately assign a tag color to every patient in view

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is triaging a young child using JumpSTART. The child is not breathing, but a peripheral pulse is present. After repositioning the airway the child remains apneic. What is the next correct action before assigning a Black tag?

Give about 5 rescue breaths and reassess for breathing

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Check for a radial pulse and assign Red if it is absent

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assign Black immediately because the child is apneic after repositioning

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Perform 30 chest compressions and reassess

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Under START triage, a patient begins breathing only after you manually open the airway. The patient has a radial pulse and is unresponsive. Which tag is assigned?

Red (Immediate)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Yellow (Delayed)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (Expectant)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (Minor)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a mass-casualty event, an adult patient is breathing at 36 breaths per minute. According to START triage, what tag does this respiratory rate alone indicate?

Red (Immediate)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Yellow (Delayed)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (Minor)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (Expectant)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During a JumpSTART assessment, a 7-year-old is non-ambulatory, is breathing spontaneously at 40 breaths per minute, and cries but cannot follow commands. Which triage tag is most appropriate?

Red (Immediate)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Yellow (Delayed)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (Expectant)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (Minor)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR has assessed a non-ambulatory adult who is breathing at 18 breaths per minute, has no radial pulse, and does not follow commands. According to START triage, what tag is assigned?

Red (Immediate)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (Expectant)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Yellow (Delayed)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (Minor)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a two-vehicle collision on a highway. Both vehicles are leaking fluid and one is smoking from the engine compartment. What is the EMR’s first priority before approaching the patients?

Ensure the scene is safe by establishing a danger zone and keeping bystanders back

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply cervical spine precautions to the nearest patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Count the number of patients and request appropriate resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin triage of all visible patients immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a scene involving a leak from a ruptured natural gas line, which action best protects bystanders?

Move all bystanders upwind and uphill from the leak and establish a perimeter

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Allow bystanders to remain if they are at least 10 feet from the leak

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Advise bystanders to cover their mouths and stay in place

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Direct bystanders to stand downwind so the gas blows away from them

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is the first to arrive at a structure fire where bystanders are gathered roughly 20 feet from the burning building. What is the most appropriate action regarding bystander positioning?

Move all bystanders well beyond any collapse or heat zone and designate a staging area

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Allow bystanders to remain at 20 feet because they are not inside the building

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask bystanders to assist by relaying information to incoming units from their current position

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Move bystanders only if they show signs of smoke inhalation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a scene where about 30 bystanders have gathered around a collapsed construction worker, and the surrounding structure appears unstable. What is the best approach to bystander management?

Calmly direct bystanders to a specific safe location away from the unstable structure before beginning patient assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin patient assessment immediately while asking one bystander to keep the others back

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Treat the patient first, then address bystander positioning once help arrives

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Allow bystanders to remain if they are not touching the patient or the structure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a vehicle collision where the car is resting on a downed power line. A bystander is trying to pull an injured patient from the vehicle. What is the correct action?

Stop the bystander from touching the vehicle and keep everyone, including yourself, at a safe distance until the utility company de-energizes the line

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Allow the bystander to continue the rescue because the patient is in immediate danger

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Instruct the bystander to use a wooden object to push the line off the vehicle before extraction

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the vehicle wearing rubber-soled shoes and assist with the extraction

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a scene that appears to involve a stabbing. After confirming the scene is safe, what should the EMR do regarding evidence while caring for the patient?

Provide necessary care while disturbing the scene as little as possible and note any changes that were made

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Photograph all evidence before touching the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Move the patient away from all potential evidence before beginning assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Avoid touching the patient until law enforcement has completed their investigation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

While providing care at a suspected homicide scene, the EMR must cut the patient’s shirt to reach an injury. What is the best practice?

Cut around any holes or tears in the clothing rather than through them, and place the clothing in one location

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove and bag the clothing for law enforcement before treating the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Leave the clothing fully intact to preserve evidence and work around it

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Cut directly through any defects in the clothing to remove it faster

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a scene where a patient is unresponsive and a firearm is visible on the floor nearby. Law enforcement has already cleared the scene. What should the EMR do about the weapon?

Leave the firearm in place, note its location, and inform law enforcement officers of its position

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Move the firearm to a safe location out of reach of bystanders

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Unload the firearm and secure it in the ambulance for safety

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Cover the firearm with a cloth so bystanders cannot see it

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responding to a reported assault finds that law enforcement has not yet secured the scene. The patient is conscious and injured. What is the correct initial action?

Stage at a safe distance and wait for law enforcement to secure the scene before approaching

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the patient immediately because they are conscious and can communicate

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the scene but stay near the exit to leave quickly if needed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Call the patient by name from a distance and tell them to come to you

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a shooting scene, an EMR performs resuscitation on a patient who is later pronounced dead. Law enforcement asks what changed during care. Which information is MOST important for the EMR to relay?

The patient's original position, any items moved during care, and where clothing was cut or removed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The estimated time of death and the probable cause of injury

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Names and contact information of bystanders present at the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The names of any medications found in the patient's pockets

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a vehicle collision where a patient is pinned by deformed door panels and cannot self-extricate. Which resource should the EMR request?

A fire department technical rescue team with extrication equipment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A law enforcement unit to manage bystanders while the EMR forces the door open

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A second EMR unit to help manually pull the patient through the window

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A tow truck to drag the vehicle away from the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During scene size-up at an industrial facility, an EMR finds a worker who has fallen into a grain silo and is partially buried. What type of specialized rescue is needed?

Confined space rescue team

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Water rescue team

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

High-angle rope rescue team

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Standard fire suppression crew

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a trench collapse where a worker is buried to the waist. The trench is about 6 feet deep with unsupported walls. What is the EMR’s most important immediate action?

Keep all personnel back from the trench edges and request a trench rescue team immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Lower a rope so the patient can pull themselves free

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Have bystanders dig alongside the patient to relieve the pressure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Climb into the trench to assess the patient while telling them to stay still

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is called to a residential structure where a patient is injured on the roof and cannot get down. The fire has already been extinguished. What specialized resource is needed?

A ladder company or aerial apparatus to perform the rescue from elevation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A helicopter medical evacuation team

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A water rescue team with ropes

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A second EMR unit to improvise a ladder from available materials

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives where a patient was swept downstream and is now clinging to a partially submerged log in a swift-water channel about 30 feet from shore. The patient is conscious and calling for help. What is the correct EMR action?

Call for a swift-water rescue team, attempt to reach or throw a rescue device from shore, and do not enter the water

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wade out to the patient because the distance is only about 30 feet

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Tell the patient to let go of the log and swim to shore

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Try to rig a rope line across the channel from available materials before the rescue team arrives

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a scene where a patient is bleeding heavily from a leg wound. Which action best reflects the principle of universal precautions?

Don gloves before making contact with the patient regardless of the patient's reported history

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask the patient about bloodborne disease history before deciding whether to wear gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply gloves only if blood is actively spurting from the wound

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Use bare hands if gloves are unavailable, then wash thoroughly afterward as the primary protection strategy

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Which of the following is the primary purpose of an agency exposure control plan?

To outline procedures for reducing provider risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To document all patient contacts involving blood or body fluids for billing purposes

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To establish protocols for decontaminating ambulances after each transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To define which patients require isolation during transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR accidentally sustains a needlestick while assisting a nurse at a care facility. According to standard exposure control protocols, what is the first action the EMR should take?

Immediately wash the puncture site thoroughly with soap and water

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Document the incident in the patient care report and notify the medical director at the end of the shift

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply an occlusive dressing to the site and continue patient care until the patient is stabilized

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request the patient's medical records to determine bloodborne disease status before seeking care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is caring for a patient who is coughing productively and has a suspected respiratory infection. Beyond gloves, which additional PPE is most appropriate under standard precautions for this scenario?

A surgical mask for the provider and, if tolerated, a mask for the patient as well

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A powered air-purifying respirator is required for all patients with a cough

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Eye protection alone is sufficient because respiratory pathogens are not covered under standard precautions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No additional PPE is needed because precautions apply only to blood and visible body fluids

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During a post-exposure evaluation following an occupational bloodborne exposure, an EMR’s employer is required to offer which of the following at no cost to the EMR?

A confidential medical evaluation, post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated, and serological testing

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Legal representation for any workers' compensation claim arising from the exposure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediate removal from field duties for a minimum of 90 days pending test results

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Replacement of all PPE the EMR was wearing at the time of exposure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responds to a mass-casualty incident involving multiple trauma patients. Which statement best describes correct application of standard precautions in this resource-limited environment?

Change gloves between patients whenever possible and prioritize eye and airway protection for providers performing procedures near blood or secretions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Precautions can be suspended during mass-casualty incidents because patient volume overrides infection control

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A single pair of gloves may be worn throughout the incident as long as hands are gel-sanitized between patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Precautions apply only to patients who are conscious and able to disclose their infection status

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is treating a patient on the sidewalk after a reported assault. Which behavior best demonstrates ongoing situational awareness?

Periodically scanning the surrounding area for threats while continuing patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Focusing exclusively on the patient to provide the highest quality care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Requesting law enforcement only after a second threat is observed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Positioning the ambulance to block traffic and then attending solely to the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Upon arrival at a motor vehicle collision, the EMR notes a strong smell of gasoline and sees fluid pooling beneath one of the vehicles. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Keep bystanders and crew back from the vehicles and request fire department response if not already en route

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin patient access immediately to prioritize life over property risk

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Place road flares around the vehicle perimeter to warn oncoming traffic

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Attempt to stop the fuel leak by placing absorbent material under the vehicle before approaching patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is treating a patient inside a residence when the patient’s family members become increasingly agitated and begin arguing loudly. Which action reflects the correct application of situational awareness?

Reassess scene safety, identify the nearest exit, and be prepared to move to a safer location while maintaining communication with dispatch

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue patient care and ignore the family because scene safety was confirmed on arrival

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask the patient to calm the family members down while the EMR continues assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediately restrain the agitated family members to prevent interference with care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR treating a patient at a construction site notices that a crane is beginning to swing overhead with a heavy load. The EMR’s patient has a stable injury. What should the EMR do first?

Move the patient and crew out from under the load path before resuming care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Complete the primary assessment because the patient is stable and unlikely to be harmed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Alert the crane operator by radio and continue care while waiting for the swing to stop

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Have a bystander watch the crane while the EMR completes the assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is the first to arrive at the scene of a reported domestic disturbance with an injured patient. Law enforcement has not yet arrived. Which set of actions best reflects appropriate situational awareness?

Stage at a safe distance, observe the scene for threats, update dispatch with observations, and do not approach until law enforcement clears the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach immediately to assess the patient's condition and call for law enforcement only if a weapon is observed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Announce your presence loudly to deter any aggressor, then enter the residence to locate the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the residence from the rear to avoid the primary aggressor and reach the patient more quickly

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During a prolonged extrication at a vehicle rollover, an EMR notices the patient’s skin color, initially pink, has changed to pale and mottled. What does this finding most likely indicate, and what is the immediate priority?

The patient may be deteriorating hemodynamically; expedite extrication and notify incoming ALS of the change in condition

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Pale, mottled skin is an expected response to cold weather at the scene and requires no immediate action

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The change indicates successful splinting and improved venous return to the injured extremity

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The finding suggests a tension pneumothorax and warrants immediate needle decompression by the EMR

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch reports an unresponsive adult male at a private residence with no other details available. Which of the following is the most important pre-arrival planning action for the responding EMR?

Anticipate the need for CPR and an AED, and confirm both are accessible and functional on the unit

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Call the residence phone number to obtain a history from bystanders while en route

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request ALS intercept only after confirming cardiac arrest on scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Plan a route that passes the nearest hospital in case rapid transport is needed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch notifies an EMR crew of a call involving a patient pinned under heavy machinery at an industrial facility. Which pre-arrival action is most appropriate?

Request fire and technical rescue resources early, and mentally prepare for possible crush injury and entrapment management

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Proceed to scene at normal road speed to conserve unit fuel and reduce accident risk since the patient is already pinned

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait for a second unit to arrive before leaving the station because a single EMR crew cannot manage industrial entrapment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contact the facility's safety officer to have them remove the machinery before EMS arrival

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch advises that a call involves a 3-year-old child with respiratory distress. Based on this information alone, which pre-arrival preparation is most appropriate?

Select appropriately sized pediatric airway equipment and confirm a length-based pediatric reference tool is available

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Prepare an adult bag-valve mask because pediatric masks are rarely needed and take too long to locate on scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contact the receiving hospital to prepare a pediatric intensive care unit bed before assessing the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Defer equipment selection until the patient's exact weight is confirmed on scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch reports a multi-vehicle collision on a highway with at least four patients. While en route, the EMR crew begins developing a plan of action. Which element is most critical to include in that plan?

Early identification of a potential incident commander role and preparation for a rapid triage approach if patient count exceeds crew capacity

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assign each crew member a specific patient before arrival based on anticipated injury patterns

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Determine transport destinations for all patients before any on-scene assessment occurs

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Plan to treat the most critically injured patient first, regardless of total scene patient count

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch updates an EMR crew en route that an originally reported single-patient medical call now involves multiple patients at a community gathering, with an unknown number of people affected by a possible foodborne illness. Which pre-arrival decision is most operationally sound?

Upgrade the response level, request additional units and public health notification, and prepare for variable patient acuity rather than focusing only on the original single patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue with the original single-unit response because foodborne illness is not life-threatening and does not require additional resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request additional units only after confirming on scene that more than three patients are symptomatic

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Declare a mass-casualty incident immediately upon receiving the update and assume incident command before any on-scene information is gathered

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is dispatched to a warehouse fire in progress for a reported worker who collapsed inside the building. The fire department is en route but has not yet arrived. Which pre-arrival decision best protects the EMR crew?

Stage upwind and uphill from the structure, do not enter the building, and prepare patient care equipment so the crew can act immediately once the fire department clears the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the building immediately using available PPE from the EMS unit, since patient survival depends on rapid access

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Attempt to reach the patient through a ground-floor window if a safe path appears visible from the exterior

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait for two additional EMS units before staging so that a buddy-rescue system is in place at the entrance

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is preparing to assist with the delivery of a baby in a private home. Which combination of PPE is most appropriate for this situation under body substance isolation principles?

Gloves, eye protection, and a fluid-resistant gown

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves only, because childbirth is a natural process with minimal infection risk

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An N95 respirator and gloves, because respiratory pathogens are the primary concern during delivery

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A standard surgical mask and gloves, because gowns are reserved for hospital use only

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Which of the following body fluids is considered potentially infectious under standard precautions even when no visible blood is present?

Cerebrospinal fluid

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Sweat

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Tears

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Saliva from a non-bleeding patient during routine assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a scene involving a patient with a suspected active tuberculosis infection who is coughing forcefully. Which respiratory protection decision is most appropriate?

Don a fit-tested N95 or higher-rated respirator before approaching, because tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A standard surgical mask provides equivalent protection to an N95 for airborne diseases and is preferred for EMR use

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves and eye protection are sufficient because tuberculosis exposure risk is limited to direct contact with sputum

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No respiratory protection is needed until a positive skin test confirms active disease in the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is providing care to a patient with profuse vomiting and diarrhea. The patient denies any blood in the vomit or stool. Which precautions are most appropriate?

Gloves and eye protection at minimum, with consideration of a gown if large-volume soiling of clothing is likely

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves only, because precautions do not apply to vomit or stool unless blood is visibly present

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An N95 respirator, because gastrointestinal illness is primarily spread by the airborne route

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No PPE is required because the patient has confirmed the absence of blood in the secretions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responds to a scene involving a patient with a suspected hemorrhagic fever illness who recently returned from an endemic region. Which statement best reflects appropriate PPE selection for this scenario?

Maximum available PPE including gloves, gown, eye protection, and a fit-tested respirator is warranted given the unknown transmission risk and potential for contact with highly infectious blood and secretions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Standard gloves and a surgical mask are sufficient because hemorrhagic fever viruses are never transmitted by aerosols in any patient contact

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

PPE selection should be deferred until the specific hemorrhagic fever type is confirmed by laboratory testing before any provider protection is escalated

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

PPE is unnecessary as long as the EMR avoids touching blood, because these viruses require blood-to-blood transmission through an open wound

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is dispatched to a report of a person who fell and is bleeding from the arm. Which PPE is the minimum standard before making patient contact?

Gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

N95 respirator and gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gown, gloves, and eye protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves and a surgical mask

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a scene where a patient is coughing productively and has suspected tuberculosis. Which PPE should the EMR put on before entering the room?

N95 respirator and gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves only

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Surgical mask and gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Face shield only

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR has just finished caring for a patient with profuse vomiting. After removing gloves, what is the correct next step before leaving the scene?

Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wipe hands on a clean cloth before touching any surfaces

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don a new pair of gloves before performing hand hygiene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Hand hygiene is only required if the gloves were visibly torn

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During doffing after a call with heavy blood exposure, an EMR accidentally touches the outside of the contaminated gown while removing it. What is the most important immediate action?

Stop, perform hand hygiene, and then continue doffing carefully

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue removing the gown quickly to minimize further exposure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove the gown from the head down in one rapid motion

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Notify medical direction only after doffing is complete

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is called to a home for an unresponsive patient. On arrival, family members report the patient has been ill with a highly contagious respiratory illness. The EMR has a surgical mask but no N95 respirator available. What is the most appropriate action?

Don the surgical mask and available PPE, enter to assess life threats, and request additional resources with appropriate respirators

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Refuse to enter until an N95 respirator arrives on scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter without any respiratory protection because the patient is unresponsive

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait outside and provide instructions to family members by phone until full PPE arrives

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responds to a scene involving a patient who bit another person and has unknown bloodborne status. The EMR’s glove tears during treatment and skin contact occurs with the patient’s blood. After scene clearance, what is the correct sequence of actions?

Wash the site immediately with soap and water, report the exposure per protocol, and seek evaluation for post-exposure prophylaxis

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply an alcohol wipe to the site and document the incident at end of shift

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Complete the call without interruption and report only if symptoms develop

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply pressure to the site and continue care since the risk is low with intact skin

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR unit is first to arrive at a two-vehicle collision on a busy highway at night. What is the best way to position the unit to protect the work area?

Park the unit uphill and upwind of the scene with warning lights activated, angled to shield the work area from oncoming traffic

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Park directly adjacent to the vehicles to minimize walking distance to patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Stop in the nearest available travel lane and turn on hazard lights

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Pull past the collision and walk back to assess patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch informs an EMR that the caller reported yelling and the sound of breaking glass before requesting help for an injured person. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Stage at a safe location and wait for law enforcement to secure the scene before approaching

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach cautiously and assess whether violence is still occurring on arrival

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter immediately because the patient may need life-saving intervention

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Call dispatch to ask the caller if the situation has calmed down, then approach

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a residential structure fire where the fire department has not yet arrived. A neighbor reports a person may be trapped inside. Smoke is visible from the eaves. What should the EMR do?

Establish a perimeter, do not enter the structure, and relay victim location information to incoming fire units

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter through the front door using a wet cloth over the face to filter smoke

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter only if the patient can be seen through a window

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Attempt a rapid rescue from a ground-level window if the patient is conscious

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR approaches a parked vehicle to assess a driver slumped over the wheel. At the window, the EMR notices a strong odor of bitter almonds and the patient is unresponsive with cherry-red skin. What is the priority action?

Retreat immediately, ventilate personal air space, and call for hazmat resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Open the vehicle door and begin rescue breathing immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Break the window and drag the patient from the vehicle

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don gloves and a surgical mask before opening the vehicle door

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is treating a patient outdoors during a thunderstorm when lightning is visible less than 5 miles away. The patient has a sprained ankle and is ambulatory. What is the most appropriate action?

Move the patient and all personnel to a substantial enclosed structure or hard-topped vehicle immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue treatment under a large tree to shelter from rain

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Lie flat on the ground with the patient until the storm passes

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Complete treatment quickly because lightning is unlikely to strike the same area twice

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR enters a home to find a patient unconscious in a kitchen with no apparent cause. Two family members who were also in the kitchen have vague headaches and are confused. The stove is a gas unit and the windows are closed. What is the most likely hazard and the correct action?

Suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, move all persons outside immediately, and call for additional resources including fire department

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Suspect a natural gas leak, open windows to ventilate the scene, and then continue assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assume a purely medical emergency and begin standard assessment inside the home

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Suspect a drug overdose affecting multiple people and request law enforcement

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a crash involving a tractor-trailer with a diamond-shaped placard displaying a flame symbol and the number 3. What class of hazardous material does this indicate?

Flammable liquids

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Explosive materials

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Oxidizers

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Flammable gases

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

When approaching the scene of a potential hazardous materials incident, an EMR should approach from which direction relative to the spill?

Uphill and upwind

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Downhill and downwind to use the terrain as cover

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Crosswind to maintain a side view of the placard

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Directly from the nearest road regardless of wind direction

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a truck crash and observes a yellow-and-white diamond placard with a three-bladed propeller symbol and the number 7. What hazard does this represent?

Radioactive material

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Biological agent

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Oxidizer

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Poisonous gas

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a hazmat scene, a patient has self-extricated from a vehicle and is walking toward the EMR. The patient’s clothing is wet with an unknown chemical. What is the most appropriate initial action by the EMR?

Direct the patient to stop, instruct them to remove outer clothing, and keep them isolated from the treatment area until decontamination is performed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Bring the patient behind the ambulance and begin assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Provide the patient with a blanket to cover the wet clothing and begin treatment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contact poison control before deciding whether decontamination is needed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR uses binoculars to read a placard on a rail car from a safe distance. The placard is orange with the number 1 and a symbol that resembles an explosion burst. What should the EMR do next?

Establish a large perimeter of at least 1,000 feet in all directions and evacuate the area

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach to within 100 feet to read the four-digit identification number

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait for the conductor to provide a shipping manifest before acting

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Proceed as normal because rail cars rarely carry active explosives

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is the first unit at a warehouse fire where a storage area is burning. Employees report the warehouse stores chlorine and ammonia in bulk. Both chemicals are present but have not yet been involved in the fire. Why is the combination of these two chemicals a critical concern for perimeter establishment?

Chlorine and ammonia can react to form chloramine vapors, which are toxic respiratory irritants dangerous even at low concentrations

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The two chemicals will combine to form an explosive compound that could detonate the building

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Chlorine neutralizes ammonia, reducing toxicity but creating high heat that accelerates the fire

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Both chemicals release oxygen when heated, which will intensify the fire significantly

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is dispatched for a 65-year-old male who suddenly felt dizzy and fell to the floor at home. The patient denies pain but has slurred speech. What best describes the primary clinical consideration for this patient?

Nature of illness, because the chief complaint is a medical condition rather than a traumatic event

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mechanism of injury, because the patient fell and may have sustained trauma

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Both equally, because the dizziness and the fall must each be treated as separate incidents

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mechanism of injury, because the floor impact is the most likely cause of the slurred speech

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A 22-year-old construction worker fell from a 15-foot ladder and is lying at the base of the structure. How should the EMR initially classify this patient?

Mechanism of injury patient, because the event was a significant traumatic fall

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Nature of illness patient, because the priority is assessing internal medical conditions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mechanism of injury only if the patient reports pain at the fall site

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Nature of illness if the patient is conscious and talking normally

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a gym where a 45-year-old male collapsed while lifting weights. Bystanders confirm he suddenly grabbed his chest and collapsed without any impact or fall. He is unresponsive and not breathing normally. What is the primary classification and the most critical immediate intervention?

Nature of illness; begin CPR and apply the automated external defibrillator immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mechanism of injury; stabilize the cervical spine for a possible collapse-related injury before starting CPR

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Nature of illness; apply oxygen and monitor vital signs while awaiting advanced life support

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mechanism of injury; assess the surrounding environment for equipment that may have struck the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responds to a single-vehicle crash in which a 58-year-old driver struck a utility pole at low speed. The patient is conscious and states she felt her heart race and then briefly lost consciousness before the crash. There was no airbag deployment and minimal vehicle damage. How should the EMR interpret the relationship between the MOI and NOI in this case?

The nature of illness, likely a cardiac dysrhythmia or syncope event, most likely preceded and caused the mechanism of injury; both require simultaneous assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The mechanism of injury is the primary concern because the vehicle crash is the documented event

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The nature of illness is irrelevant because the patient regained consciousness before EMS arrival

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The mechanism of injury excludes a medical cause because the patient was driving normally before the crash

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a two-vehicle collision on a highway. Both vehicles have significant damage and multiple doors are open. What is your first priority during scene size-up?

Determine the total number of patients before beginning patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin treating the most critically injured patient you can see

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contact medical direction for treatment orders

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Direct bystanders to call 9-1-1 if they have not already

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a house fire where neighbors report the whole family was home. The house has four bedrooms. Which action best helps determine the number of patients?

Ask a reliable bystander or family member how many people were inside

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait for the fire department to complete a primary search before counting patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assume occupancy based on the number of vehicles in the driveway

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Count only the patients who have self-extricated from the structure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are the first EMR on scene at a community park where a bleacher collapse has occurred. You observe roughly 15 to 20 people on the ground with others gathering around them. What is your most appropriate next step?

Immediately request additional EMS units and notify dispatch of a potential multiple-casualty incident

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin triage by assessing the nearest patient first

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Establish a treatment area before notifying dispatch of the patient count

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait until you have an exact patient count before requesting more units

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responds to a report of a single-car crash. On arrival, the vehicle has rolled over and there are five patients scattered across a 30-meter area. The EMR has basic life support supplies for two patients. Which action is the priority?

Request additional units immediately and begin triage without attempting definitive care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Treat the two most critical patients fully before requesting help

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Instruct bystanders to begin CPR on anyone who appears unresponsive

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Move all patients to a single location before notifying dispatch

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive first on scene at a concert venue where security reports dozens of people down after a crowd surge. As the sole EMR, which combination of actions is most appropriate in the first minute?

Conduct a rapid visual sweep of the area, estimate patient numbers, transmit a multiple-casualty incident declaration to dispatch, and avoid committing to individual patient care until help is enroute

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Call for ALS backup and begin treating the first unresponsive patient you reach while waiting

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Move through the crowd collecting chief complaints to build an exact patient count before calling for help

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Establish a command post and wait for law enforcement to clear the crowd before assessing any patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is caring for a patient in cardiac arrest at a remote campsite. The nearest hospital is 45 minutes away by ground. Of the choices below, which additional resource is most appropriate to request?

Advanced life support response, by ground or air, to bring definitive cardiac care to the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement to clear traffic on the access road

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A fire apparatus solely for additional lifting manpower

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A second basic life support unit for additional bandaging supplies

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are dispatched to a residence where a patient has a stab wound to the chest. Neighbors report the person who caused the injury is still inside the residence. Which resource should be requested immediately?

Law enforcement to secure the scene before patient contact

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

ALS for advanced airway management

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Fire department for hazardous materials assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical transport for rapid hospital delivery

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a crash where a pickup truck has skidded into a utility pole. The pole is leaning and the driver is unconscious and entrapped. No wires are visible on the ground. Which resources should be requested?

Fire department for technical rescue and the utility company, with ALS for the unconscious patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement only, to redirect traffic around the hazard

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A second BLS unit and air medical transport, with no other resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Fire department only, since entrapment and the leaning pole are both fire responsibilities

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a rural structure fire with five burn patients, an EMR notes the nearest burn center is 90 minutes away by ground. Two patients have deep, full-thickness burns over more than 20 percent of their body surface area. What resource is most critical to activate for these two patients?

Air medical transport to reduce time to the burn center

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A second BLS unit to help carry equipment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A hazardous materials team to identify accelerants

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement to control the growing crowd of bystanders

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is first on scene at an industrial facility where a worker has fallen about 20 feet into a confined space and is unresponsive. Bystanders report the worker landed on metal machinery. The air quality in the space is unknown. Which combination of resources is most appropriate to request?

Technical rescue for confined space entry, a hazardous materials or atmospheric monitoring capability, and ALS for the unresponsive patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A fire crew with standard equipment and one ALS unit, with no atmospheric monitoring

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement to secure the facility and a BLS unit for patient packaging

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical transport and a technical rescue team only, since the patient is unresponsive

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During START triage, an adult patient is breathing at 24 breaths per minute, has a present radial pulse, and follows simple commands. How should this patient be categorized?

Yellow (delayed)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Red (immediate)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (minor)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (expectant or deceased)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are triaging an adult patient using START. The patient is not breathing. You reposition the airway and the patient begins breathing spontaneously. How is this patient categorized?

Red (immediate)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (expectant or deceased)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Yellow (delayed)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (minor)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Using START triage, you encounter an adult who is breathing at 32 breaths per minute, has no palpable radial pulse, and is not following commands. How is this patient classified?

Red (immediate)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Yellow (delayed)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (expectant or deceased)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (minor)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A school bus crash has occurred and you begin JumpSTART triage on a child who appears to be about 8 years old. The child is not breathing. You open the airway and there is still no breathing, but you find a palpable peripheral pulse. What is the correct next action in JumpSTART?

Give about five rescue breaths and reassess breathing

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Classify the child as black and move to the next patient immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin full CPR and tag the child as red

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Classify the child as red without any intervention and move on

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a multiple-casualty incident, a group of walking wounded approach you asking for help. Under START triage principles, how should these patients initially be handled?

Categorized green (minor) and directed to a designated area away from the immediate scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Categorized yellow (delayed), pending a full assessment of each individual

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Categorized red (immediate), because their ability to walk does not rule out serious injury

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Left uncategorized until a full set of vital signs is obtained on each

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are triaging patients at a bus crash using JumpSTART. You reach a child who appears to be about 4 years old. She is not breathing. You check for a peripheral pulse and find none. What is the correct JumpSTART classification?

Black (expectant or deceased), without attempting rescue breaths

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Red (immediate) after providing five rescue breaths regardless of pulse status

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Yellow (delayed), because pediatric patients are given more intervention time

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Red (immediate) after beginning two-rescuer CPR

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During a multiple-casualty event, you are triaging an adult who is breathing at 18 breaths per minute and has a present radial pulse. When you ask him to squeeze your fingers, he does not respond but does move his arms spontaneously. How should he be classified under START triage?

Red (immediate), because he cannot follow simple commands

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Yellow (delayed), because spontaneous movement indicates intact neurological function

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Green (minor), because his respiratory rate and pulse are within normal parameters

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Black (expectant), because unresponsiveness to commands indicates a likely fatal injury

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a vehicle crash where fluid is leaking from the engine compartment and there is a strong smell of gasoline. What is your immediate safety action?

Park uphill and upwind from the leak and establish a danger zone perimeter

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the vehicle immediately to check for patients before assessing the leak

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Drive at least one mile away and wait there until hazmat arrives

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Use a fire extinguisher from your kit to neutralize the fuel leak

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a crash where a power line has fallen across the road and is in contact with one of the vehicles. A patient inside the vehicle is conscious and calling for help. What is the safest initial action?

Keep all bystanders and rescuers back, call the utility company, and instruct the patient to stay inside the vehicle

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the vehicle wearing rubber-soled boots for protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Have a bystander distract the patient while you move the line with a wooden branch

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Open the vehicle door quickly to remove the patient before more electricity builds up

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are at a highway crash at night. Vehicles are still traveling in the adjacent lanes. What is the minimum action needed to protect bystanders and ensure scene safety?

Position your vehicle with warning lights activated as a barrier, deploy traffic cones or flares if available, and request law enforcement to control traffic

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask bystanders to stand at the road edge waving their arms to warn oncoming drivers

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Activate your vehicle hazard lights and proceed directly to patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Place a single flare at the edge of the scene and rely on bystanders to direct vehicles

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A natural gas leak has been reported inside a commercial building. You arrive and can smell gas outside the structure. Several employees are still inside. Which action best protects life safety during the initial scene size-up?

Evacuate occupants if it can be done without entering the hazardous atmosphere, establish a perimeter at a safe distance, and wait for the gas company or hazmat team to clear the atmosphere

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the building briefly to guide employees out since the leak appears minor

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Turn off light switches and electrical equipment inside the building to remove ignition sources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Open all windows and doors to ventilate the structure before evacuating occupants

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at an overturned tanker truck. A placard on the tank reads 1203, and a liquid is pooling beneath the vehicle. The driver is lying about 10 meters from the truck and is not moving. The wind is blowing from the north toward your current position to the south. What is the correct initial action?

Relocate upwind and uphill of the spill, establish a danger zone, request a hazmat response, and do not approach the patient until the substance is identified and the scene is cleared

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the driver using a cloth over your face for respiratory protection, since the pooling liquid is probably water

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Drive your unit between the patient and the tanker to create a barrier, then begin patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Look up the substance in the Emergency Response Guidebook and then immediately retrieve the driver

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a structure fire with two victims already outside, a crowd of about 30 bystanders has gathered within 15 meters of the burning building. Fire units are three minutes away. The EMR is alone. Which action takes priority?

Move bystanders back to a safe distance from the structure and begin triage of the two patients while keeping bystanders out of the hazard zone

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin treating the more injured patient first and let bystanders stay, since fire units are close

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assign bystanders to assist with hands-on patient care to make use of available manpower

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the structure to confirm no additional patients are inside before treating those already outside

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During your initial approach to an emergency scene, which action best demonstrates proper situational awareness?

Scan the entire environment for hazards before committing to patient contact

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Move directly to the patient to begin assessment as quickly as possible

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait at the perimeter until law enforcement clears the scene entirely

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask bystanders whether the scene is safe before looking yourself

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a motor vehicle collision. After confirming the scene is initially safe, the responder begins patient care. A few minutes later, a second vehicle strikes debris near the scene. What should the EMR do first?

Reassess scene safety and move patients and responders out of the danger zone if needed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue patient care because the initial size-up already confirmed scene safety

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Call for additional units and wait for them to arrive before taking any action

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Instruct bystanders to manage traffic while continuing uninterrupted patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is treating a patient inside a residence when the patient’s family member becomes increasingly agitated and begins shouting. Which response best reflects appropriate situational awareness?

Position yourself near an exit, acknowledge the concern calmly, and be prepared to leave if the situation escalates

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ignore the behavior and focus entirely on patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask the agitated person to hold your equipment bag so they feel involved

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request that the patient calm their family member before you continue

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are caring for a patient in a garage when you notice the patient’s level of consciousness is declining and you detect a faint exhaust odor. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Move the patient and yourself out of the garage immediately and summon additional resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Open the garage door to ventilate the space and continue treatment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply supplemental oxygen to the patient and reassess in two minutes

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask a bystander to check whether any vehicles are running

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responds to a reported fall at a construction site. On arrival, the scene appears stable. During patient assessment, the EMR notices the ceiling above the patient has fresh cracking and dust is falling intermittently. Which action is most appropriate?

Immediately move the patient away from the unstable structure and reassess for additional hazards before continuing care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Complete the patient assessment in place because moving the patient may worsen injuries

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Have a bystander monitor the ceiling while the EMR finishes the primary survey

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request a structural engineer response and hold treatment until they arrive

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Before approaching a patient who is actively bleeding from a leg wound, which personal protective equipment should an EMR don at minimum?

Gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

N95 respirator and eye protection only

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Full face shield and gown only

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No PPE is required for extremity bleeding

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR completes care for a patient and removes contaminated gloves. What is the correct next step?

Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Put on a fresh pair of gloves immediately without washing hands

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wipe hands with a dry paper towel to remove any visible contamination

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Hand hygiene is unnecessary if the gloves were not visibly torn

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is caring for a patient who is coughing productively and has a history of possible tuberculosis. Which PPE is most appropriate for this situation?

N95 respirator (or higher), gloves, and eye protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Standard surgical mask and gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves alone because tuberculosis is transmitted only by direct contact

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No additional PPE beyond gloves because the patient is not confirmed positive

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

After a needle used on a patient punctures an EMR’s glove and breaks the skin, what is the correct sequence of immediate actions?

Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water, report the exposure per agency protocol, and seek medical evaluation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply antiseptic to the puncture site and continue the call, then report after the shift

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Squeeze the puncture site to express blood, then continue care with double gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Cover the site with a bandage and complete the call before filing any report

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR working a large outdoor event encounters multiple patients who are vomiting. The EMR’s only available PPE is exam gloves. Which action best reflects proper exposure control under these circumstances?

Use gloves for each patient contact, maintain distance from projectile vomit, and request additional PPE from incoming units while continuing care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Decline to treat patients until full PPE arrives because the risk is too high

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Use the same pair of gloves for all patients to conserve supplies

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Treat patients without gloves because gastroenteritis is not a bloodborne risk

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a scene where a patient has been exposed to an unknown chemical spill and is unconscious. The scene has not been declared safe by hazmat. What is the most appropriate action?

Stage at a safe distance upwind and uphill, do not enter, and wait for trained hazmat personnel to decontaminate the patient before providing care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don gloves and a surgical mask and approach to perform a primary assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Drag the patient from the hazard zone immediately to begin resuscitation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the scene only if the patient shows signs of cardiac arrest

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a scene that may involve a violent crime. After ensuring scene safety, what is the EMR’s primary responsibility?

Provide necessary patient care while disturbing the scene as little as possible

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Secure and photograph evidence before beginning patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Collect any weapons present and place them in a safe location away from the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Delay patient care until law enforcement has fully documented the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

While caring for a stabbing victim, an EMR needs to remove the patient’s clothing to assess wounds. Which action best preserves evidence?

Cut around holes or tears in the clothing rather than through them

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove clothing in the same manner as any other trauma patient without special consideration

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Leave all clothing in place to preserve evidence regardless of the patient's condition

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Place removed clothing in a plastic bag immediately to prevent contamination

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is treating a patient at a shooting scene and moves a handgun that was near the patient’s hand in order to safely access the patient. What should the EMR do next?

Inform law enforcement exactly where the weapon was located and where it was moved to

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Return the weapon to its original position after completing patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Secure the weapon in the ambulance to keep it away from bystanders

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No documentation is needed because moving the weapon was medically necessary

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

On arrival to a residence for an unresponsive patient, the EMR notices broken glass, overturned furniture, and a strong chemical odor. Law enforcement has not yet arrived. What should the EMR do?

Retreat to a safe distance, do not enter, and notify dispatch of the findings while staging for law enforcement

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter carefully and begin patient assessment while staying alert to additional threats

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter with a partner so that one can watch for threats while the other treats the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Call out to the patient from the doorway and wait for a response before deciding

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR pronounces a patient dead on scene at what appears to be a homicide. The patient’s family is present and asks the EMR to cover the body with a blanket for dignity. What is the most appropriate response?

Explain compassionately that the scene must remain undisturbed and that law enforcement will manage the scene appropriately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Cover the body with a blanket because dignity outweighs evidence concerns once the patient is deceased

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Allow the family to cover the body because they have legal authority over the deceased

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Cover exposed wounds only while leaving the face uncovered as a compromise

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is the first responder at a scene involving a suspected poisoning. The patient is unconscious. A half-empty cup is visible on the table next to the patient. Which action regarding the cup is most appropriate?

Note the cup's location and description and relay this information to law enforcement; do not move or touch it unless it is an immediate safety hazard

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Pick up the cup and smell it to help identify the substance for treatment purposes

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Give the cup to the arriving paramedic team so they can identify the poison

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Move the cup to a countertop so it is not knocked over during patient care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a vehicle collision where the driver’s door is crumpled shut and the patient is conscious and complaining of neck pain. Which is the most appropriate action regarding extrication?

Maintain manual cervical stabilization, assess the patient's condition, and request fire or rescue resources with extrication capability

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Attempt to pull the patient through the window immediately to speed extrication

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Have bystanders force the door open while the EMR monitors the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Advise the patient to climb out through the window unassisted

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Which scene finding most clearly indicates that specialized rescue resources are needed before the EMR can safely treat the patient?

A patient trapped in a collapsed trench with walls showing signs of further instability

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient lying on the ground next to an overturned bicycle

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient seated on a park bench who reports chest pain

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient with a laceration who is ambulatory and cooperative

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a barn where a farmer is partially pinned under an overturned tractor. The patient is alert and breathing but cannot be accessed without moving the tractor. What should the EMR do?

Establish contact with the patient, begin assessment from the accessible side, and request heavy rescue or technical rescue resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Attempt to rock the tractor free with the help of bystanders to speed patient access

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Advise the patient to remain still and wait for advanced life support to arrive before taking any action

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Use available farm equipment to attempt to lift the tractor immediately

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch reports a swimmer in distress approximately 40 feet from shore in a lake. The EMR arrives first. The patient appears to be struggling. What is the correct initial action?

Do not enter the water; reach or throw a rescue device to the patient and request water rescue resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the water immediately because the patient is close to shore and the risk is low

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Instruct the patient to swim toward shore while the EMR prepares equipment on the dock

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait on shore until trained water rescue personnel arrive before any intervention

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responding to a reported industrial accident finds a worker who fell 20 feet into a grain storage bin and is partially submerged in grain up to the waist. The patient is conscious. Which action is most appropriate?

Maintain voice contact with the patient, do not enter the bin, and immediately request technical rescue and confined space resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Descend into the bin with a rope tied around the EMR's waist to assess the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Have bystanders form a human chain to pull the patient out of the grain

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Lower supplemental oxygen to the patient and wait for ALS before calling rescue

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

While approaching the scene of a reported structure fire with victims reported inside, an EMR notices the front door and windows are intact but smoke is visible from the eaves. The fire department has not yet arrived. What is the most appropriate action?

Stage at a safe distance, do not enter the structure, and confirm fire department response while preparing to treat patients who self-extricate

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Open the front door to allow victims to escape and check for patients near the entrance

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter with a wet cloth over the nose and mouth to perform a rapid sweep for victims

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter only if dispatch confirms victims are trapped inside

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch reports a 68-year-old male with altered mental status at a private residence. While en route, what is the MOST important action for the EMR to take?

Begin forming a mental plan for likely patient care needs and scene hazards based on the reported information

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contact the receiving hospital to arrange a bed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request law enforcement respond to every altered mental status call

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait until arrival before considering any care priorities

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch notifies your unit of a motor vehicle collision with multiple patients on a highway. Which piece of dispatch information is MOST useful for pre-arrival planning?

Number of vehicles involved and estimated number of patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The name of the registered vehicle owner

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The posted speed limit on that roadway

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The time of the last call from that location

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch reports a person down in an alley behind a bar at 1:30 AM with unknown cause. Which pre-arrival consideration should take HIGHEST priority for the responding EMR?

The potential for violence or ongoing threat given the location and time of day

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Whether the patient has insurance coverage

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Selecting the fastest AED model to bring from the unit

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Confirming the patient's date of birth with dispatch

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

While en route to a reported residential structure fire with possible victims, dispatch updates that flames are visible from outside the building. The EMR should PRIMARILY use this information to:

Anticipate that fire suppression resources must control the hazard before patient access is safe and plan to stage accordingly

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Proceed directly into the structure to locate victims

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Cancel the response since fire is a fire department responsibility only

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request that dispatch confirm the building address again

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch relays that a caller reported a man spraying something from a backpack in a crowded subway station and several bystanders are coughing. What BEST describes the correct pre-arrival action for the EMR?

Stage upwind and uphill at a safe distance, request a hazardous materials team and additional EMS resources, and do not enter until the agent is identified and the scene is cleared

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don standard gloves and a surgical mask, then enter immediately to triage patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the station through a rear exit to avoid the area of contamination

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Proceed to the scene and advise bystanders to shelter in place underground

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR unit is dispatched to an unknown medical call at an address that has a documented history of violent calls in the dispatch system. En route, the caller hangs up and cannot be recontacted. Which pre-arrival action is MOST appropriate?

Request law enforcement respond simultaneously and plan to stage nearby until the scene is confirmed safe

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Respond as a standard medical call since no current threat has been confirmed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Cancel the response because the call origin cannot be reconfirmed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Proceed directly to the front door and knock loudly to announce arrival

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Which statement BEST describes the concept of standard precautions as applied in emergency care?

Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious regardless of the patient's known diagnosis

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Use protective equipment only when a patient discloses a communicable disease

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply full barrier precautions only to patients who appear visibly ill

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Reserve gloves for procedures that involve direct contact with open wounds

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is called to a patient with active bleeding from a laceration. At minimum, which BSI precaution is REQUIRED before making contact with the wound?

Gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A full gown and gloves are needed only if the patient has a known blood-borne infection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves are optional if the EMR has no open skin lesions on their hands

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No BSI is required for minor lacerations in patients who appear healthy

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient is unresponsive and has vomitus visible in the airway. Which combination of BSI measures is MOST appropriate before beginning airway management?

Gloves, eye protection, and a face shield or mask

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves only, since suction removes the vomitus quickly

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A gown only, to protect clothing from large-volume fluid exposure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No BSI is needed until the patient regains consciousness

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR responding to a patient with a productive cough, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss should select which additional BSI measure beyond gloves?

An N95 respirator or equivalent filtering facepiece to protect against potential airborne transmission

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A standard surgical mask, which provides equivalent protection for all respiratory illnesses

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

No additional protection, unless the patient has a confirmed diagnosis

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A face shield alone, because it blocks large respiratory droplets

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is assisting with a high-volume hemorrhage patient when a glove tears during wound packing. The EMR has no visible cuts on the hand. What is the CORRECT immediate action?

Replace the torn glove as quickly as patient care allows, then wash the hand thoroughly once the patient is stabilized

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue care with the torn glove because no skin break was identified

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Stop all patient care immediately to wash hands before continuing

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply a second glove over the torn one and document the exposure as low risk

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a mass casualty incident, PPE supplies are limited. Which patient encounter requires the HIGHEST level of BSI protection when choosing how to allocate remaining supplies?

An unconscious patient with active arterial bleeding and no known medical history

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient with a splinted closed fracture who is alert and walking

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient complaining of chest pain with no external injuries

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient with a minor abrasion who states they have no medical conditions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Before donning gloves at the start of a call, the EMR should FIRST:

Inspect the gloves for visible tears or defects

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply hand lotion to prevent skin dryness under the gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don the gloves before washing hands to save time on scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Double-glove as standard practice regardless of call type

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

When doffing contaminated gloves after patient care, the EMR should:

Peel the first glove off by grasping the outside, then use the bare hand to slide fingers under the cuff of the second glove and peel it off without touching the outside

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Pull both gloves off at the same time by grabbing the fingertips of each hand

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Have a partner cut the gloves off with scissors to avoid self-contamination

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove the gloves only after washing the hands so contaminants are diluted first

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is about to enter a scene where a patient was found unresponsive next to several unlabeled chemical containers with a strong odor. Which PPE decision is MOST appropriate?

Do not enter until a hazardous materials team arrives with appropriate chemical-resistant PPE; remain upwind

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don latex gloves and a surgical mask, then enter to assess the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Hold your breath and quickly assess the patient before retreating

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter wearing an N95 respirator since it filters most industrial chemicals

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

After caring for a patient with a suspected airborne infectious disease, an EMR wearing gloves, a gown, eye protection, and an N95 respirator should remove this PPE in which sequence to minimize self-contamination?

Gloves first, then gown, then eye protection, then the respirator last, with hand hygiene immediately after removal is complete

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Respirator first, then eye protection, then gown, then gloves

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves and gown at the same time, then eye protection and the respirator together

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The order does not matter as long as all items are removed before leaving the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a scene where a patient is in contact with a downed power line. The EMR has standard EMS gloves and a helmet available. What is the CORRECT PPE and approach decision?

Do not approach the patient; standard EMS gloves do not provide electrical insulation; notify the power company and keep bystanders clear

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don the helmet and double-glove, then approach cautiously from the side away from the line

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the patient in a shuffling step pattern while wearing both gloves and the helmet

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Use a wooden tool from the ambulance to move the line before approaching the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

When arriving at a motor vehicle collision on a busy highway, the FIRST priority for the EMR’s unit positioning should be to:

Park the unit upstream of traffic flow to create a buffer zone protecting rescuers and patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Park directly beside the collision to minimize the distance equipment must be carried

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Park downhill so fluids run off away from responders

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Park in the nearest available lane and activate warning lights only

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

On arrival at a residential call, the EMR notices the patient’s family members are shouting at each other and one individual is holding a kitchen knife. The CORRECT action is to:

Withdraw immediately to a safe location and request law enforcement before returning to the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Attempt to verbally de-escalate the situation while beginning patient assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask the individual with the knife to put it down, then proceed with care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ignore the confrontation and focus on the patient who called for help

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a house fire where the patient is outside, about 20 feet from the burning structure. The walls of the structure are visibly bowing outward. What hazard does this MOST likely indicate?

Imminent structural collapse, requiring the EMR to move the patient and all personnel further from the building

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The fire is confined to the upper floors only and ground-level access is safe

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Bowing walls indicate the fire has been extinguished and the structure is cooling

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

This is a normal appearance for older construction and does not indicate collapse risk

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is caring for a patient in a low-lying area after a flash flood warning has been issued for the county. Water has begun rising around the vehicle. The CORRECT priority is to:

Rapidly move the patient and all rescuers to high ground before the water depth increases further

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue care in place because moving the patient may worsen any spinal injury

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait for the water to stabilize before attempting to move the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Signal for a helicopter rescue before making any attempt to move the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR enters an apartment and notices a faint smell of rotten eggs, the pilot light on the stove is out, and the patient is lethargic with a headache. Which combination of actions is MOST appropriate?

Do not operate any electrical switches; remove the patient and any occupants immediately; open doors to ventilate as you exit; call the gas company and fire department from outside

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Open windows while inside, then call the gas company, staying with the patient until help arrives

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Turn on the ceiling fan to disperse the gas, then begin patient assessment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Tell the patient to leave on their own while you wait outside for the fire department

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives first at a multi-patient shooting scene. Law enforcement has not yet arrived. Four patients are visible. Which action BEST reflects correct scene safety management?

Stage the unit at a protected position out of the potential line of fire, do not approach any patients, and continuously update dispatch until law enforcement confirms the scene is secure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin triaging the closest patient while staying low to reduce the risk of being shot

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Drive the unit directly between the patients and the likely shooter position to create cover

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the scene on foot from a side street to avoid drawing attention to the unit

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a highway crash involving a tanker truck. The diamond-shaped placard on the truck displays the number 1993. What does this four-digit number indicate?

The United Nations identification number for the specific hazardous material

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The emergency response guidebook page number to reference

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The maximum safe approach distance in feet

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The hazard class assigned by the Department of Transportation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are the first unit to arrive at an overturned cargo van. You can see yellow placards but cannot read the text from your current position. What is your immediate priority action?

Stage upwind and uphill at a safe distance and call for hazmat resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Drive closer to read the placard number before calling for help

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach on foot wearing your standard latex gloves for protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin patient care immediately because the van is already overturned

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A red diamond-shaped placard with a flame symbol and the number 3 is displayed on a rail car involved in a derailment. Which hazard class does this placard represent?

Flammable liquids

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Flammable solids

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Oxidizers

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Flammable gases

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During scene size-up at a rail yard, you observe a placard displaying a black three-bladed propeller-style symbol (a trefoil) on a yellow and white background. Which hazard does this symbol identify?

Radioactive materials

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Corrosive substances

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Biological agents

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Flammable gases

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are approaching a scene where a tanker truck has crashed and a vapor cloud is visible. The wind is blowing from west to east. Which staging position is most appropriate for your unit?

West of the scene, upwind and uphill if possible, at a safe distance

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

East of the scene, in the direction the vapor cloud is drifting, for fastest patient access

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Directly south of the scene at a 90-degree angle to the wind to avoid both sides

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediately adjacent to the wreck to facilitate rapid patient extraction

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR arrives at a warehouse where a pungent odor is present and several workers are unconscious. What should the EMR do FIRST?

Retreat to a safe distance, ensure the scene is safe, and call for hazmat and ALS before entering

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter immediately because multiple unconscious patients require rapid intervention

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don standard nitrile gloves and a surgical mask before entering the building

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin triage from the building entrance to identify the most critical patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to a report of a person who collapsed at a grocery store. Bystanders state the patient was walking normally and then fell to the ground without warning. This call is best classified as which of the following?

Nature of illness (NOI)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mechanism of injury (MOI)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Both MOI and NOI equally

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Undetermined until a physical exam is completed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A construction worker fell approximately 20 feet from scaffolding and is now lying on the ground. Which term best describes the information this fall provides to the EMR?

Mechanism of injury

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Nature of illness

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Primary survey finding

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Chief complaint

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a home where a 68-year-old patient is found on the floor next to the bathtub. There is no witness and the patient is confused. Which statement best describes how the EMR should approach the scene size-up?

Consider both a medical NOI and a traumatic MOI because a medical event may have caused a fall

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Treat as a trauma patient only because the patient is on the floor next to a hard surface

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Treat as a medical patient only because the patient is elderly and likely had a cardiac event

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Defer determination of NOI or MOI until the patient can provide a history

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a motor vehicle crash, the windshield has a starburst pattern and the airbag has deployed. The driver is unresponsive. Which potential injuries should the EMR anticipate based on this MOI?

Head, cervical spine, and thoracic injuries from the deceleration force and airbag deployment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Lower extremity fractures only because the patient was seated

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Abdominal injuries only because the seatbelt was in use

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Minor soft tissue injuries because airbags reduce all serious trauma

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a residential scene where a 45-year-old male is found slumped in a chair. His wife states he complained of chest pain and then became unresponsive. There is no trauma evident. The EMR notes shallow respirations and a weak radial pulse. Which approach to the initial assessment is most appropriate?

Treat as a medical NOI patient while assessing for any secondary trauma that may have occurred during collapse

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Treat as a trauma patient because an unresponsive patient always requires spinal precautions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Defer treatment until ALS arrives to determine the definitive NOI

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Focus entirely on airway management and ignore MOI or NOI determination at this stage

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A teenager is found at the base of a staircase. Family members state the patient had a seizure and fell down the stairs. The patient is now postictal and moving all extremities. Which statement BEST reflects the correct scene size-up interpretation?

The NOI (seizure) produced a traumatic MOI (fall), so both must be evaluated and managed

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Because the patient is moving all extremities, spinal injury is ruled out and only the seizure requires treatment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The seizure is the only concern because it is the underlying cause of the entire event

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The fall is the only concern because the seizure has resolved in the postictal state

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a two-vehicle collision and find five patients scattered around the scene. Your unit has one EMR. What should you do immediately after ensuring your own safety?

Request additional EMS units and begin triage

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin treating the most critically injured patient before calling for help

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait at the scene perimeter until additional resources arrive before approaching any patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Transport the least injured patient first to clear the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During scene size-up of a house fire with multiple occupants, you account for four adults but bystanders state a child was also in the home. What is the correct action regarding patient count?

Report a possible fifth patient to dispatch and request additional resources accordingly

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assume the child exited safely because bystanders did not see the child on the ground

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait until firefighters complete their search before updating the patient count

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin treating the four confirmed adults and address the missing child afterward

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are the first to arrive at a school bus collision involving approximately 30 students. Several are walking around while others remain seated. What is the MOST important first action regarding resource management?

Immediately declare a mass casualty incident and request multiple ALS units, fire, and law enforcement

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin treating the most critical patient while your partner calls for one additional EMS unit

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Determine which patients are ambulatory before deciding whether to call for additional resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Transport the first three critical patients before calling for more units to save time

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a three-story apartment building where multiple residents are reporting carbon monoxide symptoms. You find patients on floors one and three but are unsure whether any patients are on floor two. What should you do regarding the patient count?

Assume additional patients may exist on floor two and request resources as though the total is unknown and potentially larger

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Only count confirmed patients and request resources based on that number

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Wait for fire department entry to confirm all patients before requesting additional EMS

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Estimate two patients per floor and request resources for six total

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a highway pileup involving six vehicles. The scene is on a bridge over a river. Several patients are near the guardrail and two are entrapped. What is the MOST comprehensive initial resource request?

Request multiple ALS units, fire for extrication, law enforcement for scene control, and water rescue given the bridge location

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request one ALS unit and fire for extrication only, as the other patients appear stable

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request law enforcement only to control traffic while you begin treating patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request ALS and fire only because water rescue is not needed until a patient enters the water

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are treating a 55-year-old male who is unresponsive with agonal respirations after a witnessed cardiac arrest. You have initiated CPR. Which additional resource is the MOST important to request?

ALS intercept for advanced airway management and medication administration

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical transport because cardiac arrest always requires helicopter transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement because cardiac arrest may be a criminal matter

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Fire department because additional personnel are needed for all cardiac arrests

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a motor vehicle crash where a vehicle has gone off the road and come to rest on its side in a drainage ditch. The patient is entrapped and cannot be moved without specialized equipment. Which resource should be requested?

Fire department with extrication equipment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical only because all entrapment patients require helicopter transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement because entrapment is always a criminal matter

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Additional BLS units to assist with lifting the vehicle manually

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are treating a trauma patient at a rural scene. The nearest trauma center is 90 minutes away by ground. The patient has an altered mental status, weak pulse, and an obvious open femur fracture. Which resource should you request to optimize this patient’s outcome?

Air medical transport to expedite delivery to a trauma center

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A second BLS unit to assist with packaging for the ground transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement to provide a ground escort to reduce transport time

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An ALS intercept only because definitive care can wait during the 90-minute transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a scene where a bystander is being threatened by a man with a knife. The patient is reportedly injured. Which resource should be contacted first?

Law enforcement, because the scene is not safe for EMS entry

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

ALS, because the patient may have a stab wound requiring advanced care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Fire department, because they can distract the individual while EMS treats the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical, because penetrating trauma requires immediate helicopter transport

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a river bank where a 10-year-old child has fallen into swift-moving water and is being swept downstream. Bystanders are attempting to enter the water. What resources should you request and what is your immediate action regarding the bystanders?

Request water rescue and discourage bystanders from entering the water because untrained water entry creates additional victims

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request fire and allow bystanders to continue their rescue attempt while you stage on shore

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request air medical only because helicopter rescue is the fastest method for water rescue

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the water yourself to attempt the rescue while your partner calls for resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to an industrial facility where a worker has fallen 30 feet into a grain silo. The patient is partially buried and responsive but in severe respiratory distress. Which combination of resources best addresses this scene?

Fire department with confined space rescue, ALS for advanced airway management, and law enforcement for scene control

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

BLS backup only because the patient is conscious and will be easy to reach

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical only because the mechanism warrants helicopter transport regardless of other needs

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Fire department only because all confined space problems are handled by fire without additional resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During START triage at a bus accident, you approach a patient who is walking toward you asking for help. What is the correct triage category for this patient?

Minor (green)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediate (red)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Delayed (yellow)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Expectant (black)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are triaging a non-breathing adult patient at a mass casualty incident. You reposition the airway and the patient still does not breathe. Using START triage, what category does this patient receive?

Expectant (black)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediate (red)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Delayed (yellow)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Minor (green)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a multi-vehicle collision, you assess an adult patient who has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute, a palpable radial pulse, and who follows commands. Using START triage, what is the correct classification?

Delayed (yellow)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediate (red)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Minor (green)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Expectant (black)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a multi-vehicle collision, an adult patient has respirations of 34 per minute, a palpable radial pulse, and cannot follow simple commands. What is the correct START triage category?

Immediate (red)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Delayed (yellow)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Minor (green)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Expectant (black)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are applying pediatric triage logic at an incident involving school-aged children. You find a child who is not breathing. After repositioning the airway, breathing does not resume but you palpate a pulse. What is the appropriate next step before assigning a triage category?

Deliver five rescue breaths and reassess for spontaneous breathing

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediately tag the child as Expectant (black) and move on

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin full CPR for two minutes before assigning a category

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Reposition the airway a second time and wait 30 seconds

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

During a mass casualty incident, a pediatric patient is not breathing after airway repositioning. You palpate a pulse and deliver five rescue breaths. The child still does not breathe spontaneously. What triage tag do you apply?

Expectant (black)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediate (red)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Delayed (yellow)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Minor (green)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An adult patient at a structural collapse scene has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, an absent radial pulse, and moans in response to painful stimuli. Using START triage, what category applies?

Immediate (red)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Expectant (black)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Delayed (yellow)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Minor (green)

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a large mass casualty incident you have triaged 40 patients and resources are overwhelmed. A patient previously tagged Expectant begins to seize. According to mass casualty triage principles, what is the most appropriate action?

Continue triaging the remaining patients and do not divert limited resources to the Expectant patient at this time

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Immediately upgrade the patient to Immediate and treat the seizure

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request a second responder to manage the seizure while you continue triaging

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Perform a full reassessment of that patient before deciding on care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a single-vehicle crash with fuel leaking from the tank. What is the first action you should take regarding scene safety?

Position the apparatus uphill and upwind from the fuel spill and establish a safety perimeter

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the vehicle immediately to assess the number of patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Direct bystanders to help push the vehicle away from the fuel

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin patient assessment from the driver's side door

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are the first EMR on scene of a motor vehicle crash on a highway. Before exiting your vehicle, what is the primary concern?

Ensuring the scene is safe from traffic before approaching patients

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Counting the number of patients visible from the vehicle

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contacting medical direction for treatment orders

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Retrieving a cervical collar from the supply bag

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a scene where a power line has fallen across a vehicle containing a conscious patient. What is the correct approach to bystander safety?

Establish a safety perimeter at least one full span of wire in all directions and keep bystanders outside it

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Allow bystanders to stand near the rear of the vehicle since the line only contacts the front

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Instruct bystanders to hold the wire away from the vehicle using dry wood

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Advise the patient to exit the vehicle and walk to a safe zone

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

At a chemical plant incident you notice a placard on the involved container. What is the primary purpose of checking this placard during scene size-up?

To identify the hazardous material and determine safe approach distances and protective actions

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To determine whether the facility has an on-site physician

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To verify the weight of the container for extrication planning

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To confirm the number of workers in the building

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a reported gas explosion inside a residence. Bystanders are gathered approximately 15 feet from the front door. What is your priority action?

Move bystanders to a greater distance and call for hazmat and fire resources before entering

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the residence immediately to locate trapped victims

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Assign a bystander to monitor for additional explosions while you go in

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin triaging bystanders before addressing the structural hazard

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are the first responder at a tanker truck rollover. The driver tells you the placard reads 1017. Bystanders are 50 feet away on the downwind side. What is your most important immediate action?

Move bystanders to the upwind side and increase the perimeter distance while awaiting hazmat resources

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin patient extrication using standard vehicle rescue procedures

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Approach the tanker to read the shipping papers for more detail

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Instruct bystanders to cover their faces with cloth and remain in place

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to a reported stabbing and find a conscious patient with a stab wound. Law enforcement has not yet arrived but the scene is otherwise safe. What should you do regarding evidence at the scene?

Provide patient care while disturbing the scene as little as possible and noting any evidence you must move

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Secure the scene and delay patient care until police arrive

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove all sharp objects from the area immediately to ensure scene safety

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Photograph evidence with your personal phone before touching anything

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

When cutting clothing to expose a wound on a patient at a suspected crime scene, which action best preserves evidence?

Cut around existing holes or tears rather than through them

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove all clothing by pulling it over the patient's head

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Leave all clothing in place regardless of the assessment findings

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Place cut clothing directly into a sealed plastic bag

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to a homicide scene where the victim is in cardiac arrest. After resuscitation efforts are exhausted, what is the most appropriate action regarding the body and scene?

Leave the body and surrounding items undisturbed, document what was touched during resuscitation, and wait for law enforcement

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Cover the body and move it to the hallway to free the room for investigation

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Remove all medical equipment immediately to return the scene to its original state

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Complete a detailed inventory of all items in the room for your patient care report

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a residence and find a patient who appears to have been assaulted. The suspected perpetrator may still be nearby. What is your first priority?

Ensure your own safety and request law enforcement before approaching the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Quickly assess and begin treating the patient before the assailant returns

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ask bystanders to form a protective circle while you treat the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Call the patient's name loudly to assess responsiveness from the doorway

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A patient at a gunshot scene is alert and tells you he was shot from behind. You note a small round wound on his upper back with surrounding soot. What should you document and preserve regarding this finding?

Document the wound's location and appearance, including any soot or stippling, and avoid wiping the wound clean before law enforcement can examine it

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Clean the wound thoroughly before dressing it to prevent infection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Estimate the caliber of the weapon based on wound size and include it in the report

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Mark the wound with a pen to help law enforcement identify it later

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a vehicle crash where the driver’s door is jammed and the conscious patient has leg pain and cannot exit the vehicle on his own. What resource should you immediately request?

Fire department or technical rescue team with hydraulic extrication tools

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Air medical transport to land in the roadway

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A second ambulance to bring more personnel

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Law enforcement to push the door open with their vehicle

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You respond to a reported industrial accident and find a worker with his arm trapped in a conveyor belt. The machine is still running. What is your first action?

Ensure the machine is shut down and secured by someone qualified before approaching the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Pull the patient's arm free while the machine cycles to its slow point

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Begin splinting the arm from the accessible side while awaiting rescue

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply a tourniquet proximal to the trap point and then approach the machine

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You arrive at a trench collapse with a worker partially buried up to the waist. He is conscious and speaking. What specialized resource should you request?

Technical rescue team with trench rescue expertise and shoring equipment

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Heavy construction equipment to dig the patient out quickly

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Additional EMRs to manually pull the patient free from the trench

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A hazmat team to assess soil contamination before rescue

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You are first on scene at a water rescue where a swimmer is visible but unresponsive on a submerged ledge about 12 feet below the surface. You are not a trained water rescuer. What is the correct course of action?

Call for a water rescue team, maintain visual contact with the patient's location, and do not enter the water

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Enter the water and attempt to pull the patient to the surface using a backboard

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Instruct a bystander to swim out and hold the patient's head above water

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Throw a rope to the patient and wait for him to grab it

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is dispatched to a report of a laceration with heavy bleeding. Which combination of personal protective equipment is most appropriate for initial patient contact?

Gloves and eye protection

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gloves only, because a laceration is a low-risk wound

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

N95 respirator and gloves, because blood can aerosolize

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Gown, gloves, eye protection, and N95 respirator for all bleeding calls

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Under the concept of universal precautions, an EMR should treat the blood and certain body fluids of every patient as if they are:

Potentially infectious regardless of the patient's known medical history

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Non-infectious unless the patient has a confirmed communicable disease

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Infectious only when visible contamination is present on the skin

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Infectious solely for patients who are visibly ill or febrile

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

While en route to a reported motor vehicle collision on a highway, the EMR receives updated dispatch information indicating that one vehicle has a propane tank visible in the bed. Which pre-arrival action is most appropriate?

Plan to stage upwind and uphill from the vehicle and notify dispatch of the hazmat concern

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Proceed directly to the patient and assess life threats before addressing the hazmat issue

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request law enforcement only, because propane hazards are outside EMR scope

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Don full structural firefighting gear before approaching the scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR is treating a patient at a residential scene when the patient’s family member becomes agitated and begins pacing and clenching their fists. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Reposition to maintain a clear exit route and inform responding units of the potential threat

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Continue patient care without interruption because bystander behavior is not a medical concern

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Confront the family member directly to de-escalate the situation before continuing care

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Request that the family member sit down, then resume full attention on the patient

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Dispatch reports a 68-year-old male found unresponsive at home with an unknown medical history. A neighbor called 911 after not seeing him for two days. Which pre-arrival consideration should most directly influence the EMR’s initial approach?

The extended time frame suggests possible prolonged down time, decomposition, or environmental hazards inside the residence

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Unknown medical history means no pre-arrival planning is possible until on scene

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

The patient's age indicates a likely cardiac event, so AED deployment should be the first priority

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Neighbor-reported calls are typically lower acuity and do not require an altered approach

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An EMR sustains a needlestick injury from a used syringe found at an overdose scene. After securing the scene and ensuring the patient is being cared for, which sequence of post-exposure actions is correct?

Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water, report the exposure to the designated officer, and follow the agency's exposure control plan

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Apply a tourniquet proximal to the injury to prevent systemic spread of any infectious agent

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Squeeze the wound to express blood, apply an antiseptic, and return to duty if no symptoms develop within one hour

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Document the incident in the patient care report and seek evaluation only if the patient is confirmed positive for a bloodborne pathogen

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

EMR – Scene Size-up and Safety — Quick Review

Quiz Summary

Information

Results

Results

Categories

1. Question

2. Question

3. Question

4. Question

5. Question

6. Question

7. Question

8. Question

9. Question

10. Question

11. Question

12. Question

13. Question

14. Question

15. Question

16. Question

17. Question

18. Question

19. Question

20. Question

21. Question

22. Question

23. Question

24. Question

25. Question

26. Question

27. Question

28. Question

29. Question

30. Question

31. Question

32. Question

33. Question

34. Question

35. Question

36. Question

37. Question

38. Question

39. Question

40. Question

41. Question

42. Question

43. Question

44. Question

45. Question

46. Question

47. Question

48. Question

49. Question

50. Question

51. Question

52. Question

53. Question

54. Question

55. Question

56. Question

57. Question

58. Question

59. Question

60. Question

61. Question

62. Question

63. Question

64. Question

65. Question

66. Question

67. Question

68. Question

69. Question

70. Question

71. Question

72. Question

73. Question

74. Question