AEMCA EMS Operations and Safety 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An EMT is exposed to a patient's blood via a needlestick. The FIRST action should be to:
- Complete the Patient Care Report documenting the exposure
- Immediately notify the receiving hospital and medical director
- Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water and report to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Apply a tourniquet above the puncture site
Correct answer: Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water and report to a supervisor
Immediately washing the exposure site with soap and water reduces pathogen load, followed by notifying a supervisor to initiate exposure protocols.
Question 2: When operating at a scene involving downed power lines, EMS should:
- Move the power lines with a dry wooden pole before approaching
- Stage at a safe distance and wait for the utility company to de-energize the lines (Correct answer)
- Approach if the lines appear not to be sparking
- Drive the ambulance over the lines if they appear slack
Correct answer: Stage at a safe distance and wait for the utility company to de-energize the lines
Only qualified utility personnel can safely de-energize power lines — EMS must stage at a distance and wait for clearance.
Question 3: The recommended personal protective equipment for a patient with suspected meningococcal meningitis includes:
- Gloves only
- Gloves and a surgical mask
- Gloves, surgical mask, and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Full hazmat suit
Correct answer: Gloves, surgical mask, and eye protection
Meningococcal meningitis spreads via respiratory droplets, requiring droplet precautions including gloves, surgical mask, and eye protection.
Question 4: When approaching a potential scene of domestic violence, the EMT should:
- Enter immediately to protect the victim
- Stage nearby and ensure law enforcement is on scene before entering (Correct answer)
- Announce arrival loudly to deter further violence
- Separate the couple yourself before calling for police
Correct answer: Stage nearby and ensure law enforcement is on scene before entering
Domestic violence scenes carry a high risk of violence toward responders; law enforcement should secure the scene before EMS entry.
Question 5: Which federal system provides a standardized national approach to incident management applicable to all jurisdictions and hazard types?
- Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) (Correct answer)
- Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Protocol
Correct answer: National Incident Management System (NIMS)
NIMS provides a consistent, nationwide framework for all levels of government and agencies to work together during any type of incident.
Question 6: An EMT is caring for a patient during transport when the ambulance is involved in a rear-end collision. Which patient position is MOST protective during a crash?
- Seated upright in the captain's chair facing forward
- Supine on the stretcher with the head toward the front of the ambulance
- Supine on the stretcher with the head toward the rear of the ambulance (Correct answer)
- Seated on the bench seat facing rearward
Correct answer: Supine on the stretcher with the head toward the rear of the ambulance
A patient positioned supine with the head toward the rear of the ambulance is best protected in a rear-impact collision as the body is decelerated more gradually.
Question 7: After a large-scale disaster, the primary role of the EMS Medical Branch Director within ICS is to:
- Personally treat the most critically injured patients
- Oversee all medical operations, resources, and personnel coordination within the incident (Correct answer)
- Drive the command vehicle and relay radio traffic
- Administer medications independently without physician oversight
Correct answer: Oversee all medical operations, resources, and personnel coordination within the incident
The Medical Branch Director coordinates all medical resources and operations within the ICS structure, ensuring organized and effective patient care.
AEMCA EMS Operations and Safety 5
An EMT is exposed to a patient's blood via a needlestick.
The FIRST action should be to: