COE Wilderness First Aid & Emergency Response Flashcards

What information should be included in a field patient assessment report (SOAP note) written by a COE instructor?

Answer: Subjective complaints, Objective findings, Assessment, and Plan (SOAP)

SOAP notes provide a structured, complete record that guides ongoing care and is essential for medical handoff during evacuation.

A participant is stung multiple times by wasps and begins to show hives, throat tightening, and difficulty breathing. What is the IMMEDIATE priority?

Answer: Administer epinephrine (EpiPen) and initiate emergency evacuation

Throat tightening and respiratory distress indicate anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate epinephrine and evacuation.

In the wilderness, a participant develops severe diarrhea and vomiting over 12 hours. What is the primary management concern?

Answer: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea rapidly cause dehydration and electrolyte loss, which can become dangerous without oral rehydration or evacuation.

What is the correct field treatment for a closed (non-displaced) ankle fracture when evacuation is delayed?

Answer: Splint the ankle in a position of comfort, elevate, and monitor circulation

Splinting immobilizes the injury to prevent further damage, and circulation checks ensure the splint isn't too tight.

A COE program operates in bear country. Which emergency response protocol addresses a bear encounter that becomes an attack?

Answer: For grizzly attacks, play dead; for black bear attacks, fight back aggressively

Wildlife agencies recommend playing dead (face down, protecting neck) for defensive grizzly attacks while actively fighting black bear attacks.

What is the 'rule of nines' used for in wilderness first aid?

Answer: Estimating the percentage of body surface area affected by burns

The rule of nines divides the body into regions each representing approximately 9% of body surface area to estimate burn severity.