CPFM Patient Assessment & Triage 5

Question 1

What is the first step a responder should take when approaching an injured crewmember on an active burn unit?

Accepted Answer

Make sure the scene is safe from fire, falling snags, and smoke

Answer

Scene safety comes first so responders do not become additional patients.

Question 2

Using the AVPU scale, a patient who responds only when you pinch the shoulder is rated as what?

Accepted Answer

Pain

Answer

Responding only to a painful stimulus is a 'P' on the AVPU scale.

Question 3

A holder working in heavy smoke has a headache, dizziness, and nausea, but the pulse oximeter reads 99%. What should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Answer

Standard pulse oximeters can read falsely normal with carbon monoxide, so symptoms in smoke matter more.

Question 4

In the SAMPLE history, what does the 'L' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Last oral intake

Answer

'L' stands for last oral intake, which matters for surgery and for heat or blood sugar problems.

Question 5

A crewmember is struck on the head by a falling limb and complains of neck pain. What is the correct initial care?

Accepted Answer

Keep the head and neck still while assessing and request help

Answer

Neck pain after head trauma calls for spinal motion restriction until a spinal injury is ruled out.

CPFM - Certified Prescribed Fire Manager Practice Test