EMT Pre-Quiz #1

Based on the triage color code tags placed on each of the wounded, which tag color represents the wounded who have the highest priority of being treated first? 

• GREEN

• YELLOW

• RED

• BLACK

Answer explanation

The answer is C: Red. The red tag indicates the patient must be seen first because they have life-threatening injuries, but could survive if treated quickly. The patient is still alive but there is a severe alteration in their breathing, circulation, or mental status that requires immediate medical attention. 

A catastrophic disaster has occurred 5 miles from the hospital you are working in. The hospital’s disaster plan is activated and the wounded are brought to the hospital. You’re helping triage the survivors. One of the wounded is able to walk around and has minor lacerations on the arms, hands, chest, and legs. You would place what color tag on this survivor? 

• RED

• YELLOW

• GREEN

• BLACK

Answer explanation

The answer is C: Green tags are for patients who have MINOR injuries. If the patient can walk around they are tagged as green. Sometimes they are referred to as the “walking wounded”. 

Which statement below is INCORRECT about the yellow triage tag color in regards to a disaster situation? 

• A survivor with this tag color is seen after patients with the green tag color. 

• A survivor with this tag color can have treatment delayed for an hour or less. 

• A survivor with this tag color has serious injuries that could eventually lead to the compromise of breathing, circulation, or mental status, especially if treatment is delayed more than an hour or so. 

• A survivor with this tag color has second priority for treatment of injuries. 

Answer explanation

The answer is A. This statement is INCORRECT. It should say: A survivor with this tag color is seen after patients with the RED (not green) tag color. 

For the next 7 questions, use the START method for adults to help triage the wounded that have been involved in a disaster situation. Each question will give you details on what you have assessed and you will need to use those details to help you assign a color tag to the individual:  The wounded victim is unable to walk, has respiratory rate of 40, capillary refill is 6 seconds, and can’t follow simple commands. The wounded victim is assigned what tag color? 

• GREEN

• RED

• YELLOW

• BLACK

Answer explanation

The answer is B: Red. 

While triaging the wounded from a disaster, you note that one of the wounded is not breathing, radial pulse is absent, capillary refill >2 seconds, and does not respond to your commands. What color tag is assigned? 

• GREEN

• RED

• YELLOW

• BLACK

Answer explanation

The answer is D: Black. The black tag is placed on the wounded that are dying or have expired. The injuries are so severe that death is imminent. There is severe alteration or absence of breathing, circulation, and neuro status. 

The jaw thrust maneuver for opening the airway has the advantage of the head tilt-chin lift maneuver in that: 

• It is easier to perform.

• It permits the use of either an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway.

• It can be performed without neck manipulation.

• It more closely approximates the natural airway anatomy.

Answer explanation

Answer: C 

Airway adjuncts such as oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways: 

• Prevent the tongue from occluding the airway and therefore create an open conduit for air to pass.

• Free the physician's left hand so he can deliver a larger volume of air by squeezing the bag-mask device with both hands.

• Provide an open conduit for air to pass into the trachea and protect the trachea from aspiration of oral secretions.

• Allow the physician to ventilate the patient without the use of a mask device.

Answer explanation

Answer: A 

The nasopharyngeal airway has the advantage over the oropharyngeal airway in that it: 

• Is made of soft plastic and therefore is less traumatic during insertion.

• Is usually better tolerated in a semi-conscious patient and can be inserted in a patient who has their teeth clenched.

• Has a larger internal diameter and therefore allows a greater volume of gas exchange.

• Makes it easier to suction the oropharynx of excess secretions.

Answer explanation

Answer: B 

The correct size of mask to use with the bag ventilator: 

• Should cover the mouth and seal against the nose to avoid air leaks during ventilation.

• Should cover the mouth such that oxygen rich ambient air is able to pass through the nose unobstructed during ventilation.

• Should seal against the nose if a nasopharyngeal airway is being used and seal against the mouth if an oropharyngeal airway is being used.

• Should cover the mouth and nose and create a tight seal to avoid air leaks during positive pressure ventilation. 

Answer explanation

Answer: D 

To create a tight seal with the mask during positive pressure ventilation the physician should: 

• Push the mask firmly down against the patient's face.

• Lift up on the mandible with the third, fourth and fifth fingers to maintain an open airway, while holding the mask firmly in place with the thumb and index finger.

• Hold the patient's mouth open with the third, fourth and fifth fingers while holding the mask firmly in place with the thumb and index finger.

• Hold the mask firmly with the thumb and index finger of both hands while squeezing the bag device between the palms of both hands.

Answer explanation

Answer: B