Situational Judgment Scenarios Flashcards

You are assigned to ventilation but the roof shows signs of sagging. What should you do?

Answer: Communicate the unsafe condition to command and await direction

Reporting structural hazards lets command adjust tactics and keeps crews safe.

A citizen pleads for you to re-enter a fully involved house to retrieve a pet. What is the best response?

Answer: Explain that conditions are too dangerous and you cannot risk a life for a pet

Firefighter safety takes priority; risking a life for property or a pet in untenable conditions is not justified.

During a long incident, you become separated from your crew in heavy smoke. What is your immediate action?

Answer: Activate your PASS device and radio a Mayday

Declaring a Mayday and activating your PASS device gives rescuers the best chance to locate you.

You respond to a medical call and the patient refuses treatment but is clearly disoriented. What should you do?

Answer: Attempt to assess capacity and involve EMS/medical control before leaving

A disoriented patient may lack capacity to refuse, so you must escalate to medical control.

Two assignments come in at once and your engine can only take one. How should the decision be made?

Answer: Let the incident commander/dispatch prioritize based on life safety

Prioritization through command ensures resources go to the highest life-safety need.

A senior firefighter tells you to take a shortcut that violates a safety SOP. What is the best action?

Answer: Decline and follow the SOP, explaining your reason

Safety procedures must be followed regardless of who suggests bypassing them.

You smell natural gas while investigating an odor complaint inside a home. What should you do first?

Answer: Avoid creating sparks, evacuate occupants, and ventilate

Eliminating ignition sources and evacuating prevents a gas explosion.