EMT Chapter 39

Extrication is defined as:

• using heavy equipment to access a patient

• dismantling an automobile to remove a victim

• removal from a dangerous situation or position

• immobilizing a patient before moving him or her

Your primary concern when arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash is:

•  gaining access to the patient(s)

•  requesting additional resources

•  immediately beginning triage

• surveying the area for hazards

The scene size-up at a motor vehicle crash or other incident:

•  is an ongoing process until the incident is terminated

• should be performed by the most experienced EMT

• is a quick visual assessment of the scene prior to entry

• determines who is allowed to safely enter the hot zone

Situational awareness is most accurately defined as:

• an ongoing process of information gathering and scene evaluation to determine appropriate strategies and tactics

•  the ability to recognize any possible issues once you arrive at the scene and act proactively to avoid a negative impact

• predicting the presence of certain hazards at the scene after receiving initial information from the dispatcher

• performing an initial scan of the scene to identify hazards that will pose an immediate threat to you and your crew

Which of the following is a typical function of the rescue team?

• Initial triage and patient prioritization

• Shutting off power to downed electrical lines

•  Providing safe entry and access to patients

• Providing emergency care during extrication

When determining the exact location and position of the patient(s) in a wrecked vehicle, you and your team should routinely consider all of the following, except:

•  the position of the crashed vehicle

• hazards that pose a risk to rescuers

• the make and model of the vehicle

• the possibility of vehicle instability

Which of the following is the best example of gaining simple access to a patient?

• Using a pry bar to open a damaged door

• Entering a vehicle through an open window

• Breaking glass to gain access to the patient

• Removing the roof to access a critical patient

In contrast to simple access, complex access:

• involves forcible entry into a vehicle

• is a skill commonly taught to EMTs

• does not involve the breaking of glass

• often involves simply unlocking a door

Disentanglement involves:

•  removing a patient from a dangerous position

•  the use of simple access tools such as a pry bar

• extrication techniques that EMTs are trained in

• gaining access to a patient in a crashed vehicle

When removing a critically injured patient from his or her vehicle, you should:

•  remove him or her using a short backboard

• move him or her in one fast, continuous step

• protect the cervical spine during the entire process

• release c-spine control to facilitate rapid removal