Chapters 1-4

You are first on the scene of a vehicle collision where a vehicle has gone off a bridge and is partially submerged. You are told that a person is still trapped in the vehicle. Your partner starts to take off his shoes and prepares to go in to save the victim. You stop your partner and tell him it is too dangerous. He tells you he is prepared to die to save a life. What is the best response to him?

• He is not only putting his life at risk, but also placing the lives of the professional rescuers unnecessarily at risk.

• His family will not receive any benefits if he is not trained in rescue and dies while attempting a rescue

• The patient's family may sue him if he is not successful in rescuing him

• He will force additional fire units to come to his aid unnecessarily and waste taxpayer money.

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of the modern emergency medical services (EMS) system?

• To have trained personnel capable of assessing and caring for injured and ill patients on the scene

• To have trained personnel respond quickly and provide emergency care on the scene, during transport, and at the hospital

• To have trained personnel understand the limitations of their training and "do no harm," while providing prompt transport to the hospital

• To have trained personnel knowledgeable in all aspects of prehospital care

You respond to a 48-year-old morbidly obese female patient. The patient is alert and seated in a recliner. She says “everything hurts” when she tries to get up. To move this patient, your first priority is:

• a.

  asking her how she got herself into the chair

• determining how long the patient has been in the chair

• to position a half spine board

• to request additional help

Upon arrival at the hospital, the EMT advises hospital personnel of the patient's condition, observations from the scene, treatment rendered, and other pertinent data to assure continuity of care. This process is known as which of the following?

• Transfer of care

• Breach of duty

• Definitive care

• End of tour

You are on the scene with a 72-year-old male patient with chest pain. The patient is complaining of shortness of breath but also refuses to go to the hospital, even after multiple attempts urging him to go. Which of the following should you do next?

• Stay with the patient until he loses consciousness

• Fully inform the patient about his situation and the implications of refusing care.

• Inform the patient that he is having a "heart attack" and must be taken to the hospital for evaluation.

• Contact medical direction for orders to restrain the patient.

For the last few days, your regular EMT partner has been having trouble sleeping, has been on edge, and has trouble concentrating on his job during EMS calls. Luckily, your call volume has been low with no serious calls since the infant cardiac arrest you both worked last month. You ask him if anything is bothering him and he states he is fine in every way. He states that he has been going to the bars lately to relax and invites you to come along for some drinks after work. Choose the best answer for this situation.

• Your partner is suffering from acute stress reaction and you should recommend to him that he seek professional counseling.

• Your partner is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and you should go to the bar with him to provide moral support and talk with him.

• Your partner is suffering from a delayed stress reaction and you should recommend that he seek professional counseling.

• Your partner is suffering from a cumulative stress reaction. This is a natural response and he should be fine in a few days

Which of the following descriptions BEST defines the term pathogen?

• An immunity developed after an exposure

• A study of the origins of infection and disease

• A medication with a harmful effect

• An organism that causes infection and disease

Who assumes the ultimate responsibility for patient care rendered by the EMT?

• EMS supervior

• EMT

• Director of quality assurance

• medical director

Which of the following is a personal trait an EMT should have?

Which type of consent must be used by the EMT when seeking to treat a mentally competent adult?

• unconditional consent

• expressed consent

• conscious consent

• implied consent