EMT Exam Advanced Environmental Emergencies

A patient reports ascending too quickly from a scuba dive, resulting in deep, boring pain in the joints, skin mottling, and possible paralysis. This presentation is most consistent with:

• Decompression sickness (The Bends)

• Arterial gas embolism (AGE)

• Barotrauma

• Nitrogen narcosis

Which type of diving emergency is caused by trapped air expanding during ascent, most commonly affecting the lungs (pulmonary barotrauma)?

• Decompression sickness

• Nitrogen narcosis

• Barotrauma (The Squeeze/Reverse Squeeze)

• High-pressure nervous syndrome

The most severe and immediate life threat among diving emergencies, caused by air bubbles entering the bloodstream and blocking circulation to the brain, is:

• Decompression sickness Type I

• Nitrogen narcosis

• Arterial gas embolism (AGE)

• Dysbaric osteonecrosis

A patient emerges from a shallow scuba dive confused, dizzy, and complaining of headache and visual changes. Symptoms appeared immediately upon surfacing. What should the EMT suspect?

• The Bends

• Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE)

• Mild Barotrauma

• Heat exhaustion

Nitrogen narcosis is a reversible altered mental status that occurs during deep dives and is caused by:

• Lack of oxygen in the breathing mixture

• High partial pressures of nitrogen dissolving in the blood and tissues

• Inadequate decompression stops

• Too rapid an ascent

Emergency care for a patient suspected of having a serious diving emergency (AGE or Decompression Sickness) should prioritize:

• Rapid transport to the nearest facility capable of hyperbaric treatment

• Administering oral fluids to hydrate the patient

• Having the patient re-submerge to relieve pressure

• Performing a full secondary assessment at the scene

A diver complaining of severe pain in his sinuses and ears during descent is most likely experiencing:

• Decompression sickness

• Nitrogen narcosis

• Barotrauma (The Squeeze)

• Dysbarism

The definitive treatment for both Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) and Decompression Sickness is:

• Continuous supplemental oxygen

• Analgesics for pain

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

• Fluid resuscitation

When providing high-flow oxygen to a patient with a diving emergency, the EMT should use a:

• Nasal cannula

• Nonrebreather mask at 15 L/min

• Venturi mask

• Simple face mask

Dysbarism injuries are conditions resulting from:

• Direct trauma during diving

• Infections from contaminated water

• Changes in ambient pressure

• Marine life stings