ACT 235 Emergency Response 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a person is shot in the torso and shows signs of a tension pneumothorax, the immediate field treatment is:
- Perform CPR immediately
- Apply a vented chest seal or needle decompression (Correct answer)
- Elevate the legs and keep the victim still
- Apply direct pressure to the chest wound only
Correct answer: Apply a vented chest seal or needle decompression
A vented chest seal allows air to escape the pleural space, preventing the pressure buildup that causes tension pneumothorax to become fatal.
Question 2: Under Pennsylvania ACT 235, lethal weapons training must include instruction in emergency first aid because:
- It satisfies insurance liability requirements
- Officers may be first on scene and responsible for preserving life until EMS arrives (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need for EMS response in remote areas
- State law requires all armed personnel to hold an EMT license
Correct answer: Officers may be first on scene and responsible for preserving life until EMS arrives
ACT 235 recognizes that armed private officers may be the first responders at an incident and must be capable of providing basic lifesaving measures.
Question 3: What should an officer do with a weapon used in a shooting incident while waiting for investigators?
- Field-strip and clean it to preserve its function
- Holster it and leave it in place unless a continuing threat requires its use (Correct answer)
- Hand it to a supervisor immediately
- Secure it in the patrol vehicle
Correct answer: Holster it and leave it in place unless a continuing threat requires its use
The weapon is evidence and should not be manipulated unnecessarily; the officer may keep it holstered unless another threat requires drawing it.
Question 4: A victim of a shooting is unresponsive and not breathing. After ensuring scene safety, the officer's next action is:
- Begin rescue breathing only
- Check for a pulse, then begin CPR if no pulse is found (Correct answer)
- Place the victim in the recovery position and wait for EMS
- Administer an epinephrine auto-injector
Correct answer: Check for a pulse, then begin CPR if no pulse is found
Current CPR guidelines require confirming pulselessness before beginning chest compressions to deliver oxygen to the brain.
Question 5: When calling for backup after a use-of-force incident, the officer should provide all of the following EXCEPT:
- Exact location or address
- Number of officers needed
- A personal opinion on whether the shooting was justified (Correct answer)
- Description of any fleeing suspects
Correct answer: A personal opinion on whether the shooting was justified
Justification opinions are inappropriate and potentially prejudicial in radio communications; factual information only should be broadcast.
Question 6: The 'golden hour' concept in trauma care refers to:
- The first 60 minutes during which shock is completely reversible
- The period within which definitive surgical care dramatically improves survival outcomes for major trauma (Correct answer)
- The time allowed before EMS is legally required to respond
- The 60-minute window for documenting a use-of-force incident
Correct answer: The period within which definitive surgical care dramatically improves survival outcomes for major trauma
Reaching definitive surgical care within approximately one hour of major trauma significantly improves survival rates for life-threatening injuries.
Question 7: An officer arrives at a scene where a subject has a gunshot wound to the neck with pulsating bleeding. The appropriate immediate action is:
- Apply a tourniquet to the neck to stop bleeding
- Apply firm direct pressure avoiding airway compression (Correct answer)
- Pack the wound tightly with a tourniquet band
- Leave the wound uncovered to monitor blood loss
Correct answer: Apply firm direct pressure avoiding airway compression
Neck wounds require firm direct pressure without compressing the airway or both carotid arteries; tourniquets are contraindicated on the neck.
ACT 235 Emergency Response 3
When a person is shot in the torso and shows signs of a tension pneumothorax, the immediate field treatment is: