Medical Pre-Arrival Instructions and Emergency Medical Dispatch Flashcards
7 cards from real 911 Operator Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medical Pre-Arrival Instructions and Emergency Medical Dispatch flashcards as text
A caller reports that someone is showing sudden facial drooping on one side, arm weakness, and slurred speech. What condition should the 911 operator suspect?
Answer: Stroke
Facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty are the hallmark signs of a stroke, remembered by the acronym FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time).
When providing instructions for a conscious adult who is severely choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe, what should the 911 operator instruct?
Answer: Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
For a conscious adult with a complete airway obstruction, abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) are the recommended first intervention.
A caller reports an infant under one year old appears unconscious and is not breathing. How should the operator's CPR instructions differ from adult CPR?
Answer: Use two fingers for compressions and give small gentle puffs of air
For infants, operators should instruct two-finger compressions and small puffs of air to account for the infant's smaller size and lung capacity.
What should a 911 operator do if a medical emergency caller becomes hysterical and cannot follow instructions?
Answer: Use a calm, firm voice to redirect the caller with simple, short commands
A calm, authoritative tone with clear, brief commands is proven to help agitated callers focus and comply with life-saving instructions.
A caller reports finding someone unresponsive and suspects an opioid overdose. While awaiting EMS, what should the 911 operator advise if naloxone (Narcan) is available on scene?
Answer: Administer it per directions if the caller knows how, and continue rescue breathing if needed
If naloxone is available and the caller knows how to use it, operators should encourage its use along with rescue breathing to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression.
When a caller reports severe, uncontrolled bleeding, what is the first pre-arrival instruction a 911 operator should give?
Answer: Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound
Direct, firm pressure is the most effective first-line method to control bleeding while waiting for EMS.
A caller believes someone is having a diabetic emergency and the person is still conscious and able to swallow. What pre-arrival instruction is most appropriate?
Answer: Offer a sugary drink or food if the person can swallow safely
If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, providing sugar (juice, candy) can raise low blood glucose quickly and prevent further deterioration.