CHP First Aid and Emergency Medical Response Flashcards

A CHP officer finds a collision victim with a suspected broken femur. What is the most critical concern with this injury?

Answer: Severe internal blood loss leading to shock

A femur fracture can result in 1–2 liters of internal blood loss into the thigh, creating a life-threatening risk of hypovolemic shock.

What are the classic signs of shock that a CHP officer should recognize in a trauma victim?

Answer: Pale/cool/clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, altered mental status

Classic shock signs include pale, cool, clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and altered or declining mental status.

When should a CHP officer apply a tourniquet to control limb bleeding?

Answer: When direct pressure fails to control life-threatening limb hemorrhage

A tourniquet should be applied to a limb when direct pressure fails to control life-threatening hemorrhage from that extremity.

How should a CHP officer treat a victim who is conscious and showing signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?

Answer: If conscious and able to swallow, offer a source of sugar such as juice or candy

A conscious hypoglycemic victim who can swallow should be given a fast-acting oral sugar source to rapidly raise blood glucose levels.

What does the acronym 'ABC' stand for in basic trauma assessment?

Answer: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation — the three primary life-sustaining functions assessed in basic trauma care.

At a multi-vehicle collision, a CHP officer must triage multiple victims. Which victim receives highest priority under the START triage system?

Answer: A victim who is not breathing but whose airway opens with repositioning

Under START triage, a non-breathing victim whose airway opens with repositioning is categorized as 'immediate' (red tag) — the highest priority for intervention.