EFMB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EFMB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which change in a patient's condition should prompt a triage officer to UPGRADE a casualty from Delayed (T2) to Immediate (T1)? → Declining mental status and dropping blood pressure
2. How many MARK 1 autoinjector kits can a buddy administer to a nerve agent casualty if symptoms persist? → 3 kits total, then reassess
3. Which regulatory requirement is UNIVERSAL across all Expert Field Medical Badge practice settings? → Maintaining current certification and meeting continuing education requirements
4. What equipment is used to decompress a tension pneumothorax in the field? → 14-gauge needle at the 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line
5. How does mental toughness play a role in trauma care? → It helps them stay calm and focused during critical situations
6. Which litter carry technique is best suited for moving a casualty through narrow corridors or confined spaces? → SKED litter drag
7. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Expert Field Medical Badge field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
8. Which risk management approach is MOST effective for EFMB professionals when evaluating potential workplace hazards? → Proactive hazard identification and assessment
9. What role does confidence play in leadership during combat operations? → It builds trust and empowers the team to follow through with plans
10. When conducting a risk assessment for EFMB operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
11. What does the acronym MEDEVAC stand for? → Medical Evacuation
12. In a chemical agent mass casualty event, what must occur BEFORE triage and treatment begin? → Decontaminate casualties to prevent cross-contamination of providers
13. Why is it important to quickly recognize signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the field? → To ensure quick evacuation and treatment
14. What is the primary concern when treating a casualty with shock? → Restore circulation and oxygen to vital organs
15. What is the purpose of adding a hemostatic dressing (such as Combat Gauze) compared to a plain gauze dressing? → It contains kaolin or chitosan to accelerate clot formation
16. What is the main focus of endurance training in combat medicine? → To maintain effectiveness despite fatigue
17. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL EFMB certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
18. What is the purpose of the 'MARCH' acronym in tactical combat casualty care? → To prioritize life-threatening injuries in a systematic order
19. What is the primary purpose of trauma care in combat situations? → To stabilize casualties for evacuation
20. What is the PRIMARY reason for regulatory compliance in the Expert Field Medical Badge profession? → To protect public safety, ensure quality standards, and maintain professional integrity
21. When preparing a landing zone (LZ) for a MEDEVAC helicopter at night, what is the recommended marking method? → Four chemlights or flashlights placed in an inverted Y or X pattern
22. What is 'reverse triage' and in what situation is it used? → Treating the least injured first to quickly return them to duty
23. When resources are extremely limited, what is the PRIMARY criterion for separating Immediate (T1) from Delayed (T2) casualties? → Likelihood of survival given available resources
24. When documenting assessment findings in EFMB practice, which approach is MOST appropriate? → Record objective findings, measurements, and professional observations factually
25. In the START triage system, what respiration rate range classifies a patient as 'Immediate'? → Less than 10 or greater than 30 per minute
26. During a MASCAL, who is responsible for establishing and running the triage area when no physician is present? → The senior medical officer or medic on scene
27. In Expert Field Medical Badge, what is the PRIMARY purpose of conducting regular safety drills and exercises? → To ensure personnel can respond effectively in emergencies
28. When assessment results for a Expert Field Medical Badge evaluation are inconclusive, the BEST practice is to: → Conduct additional assessment using alternative methods
29. How should Expert Field Medical Badge professionals handle technical procedures that have been updated or revised? → Review the updates, complete any required training, and implement the revised procedures
30. Which medication is used to treat organophosphate (nerve agent) poisoning and is found in the MARK 1 autoinjector kit? → Atropine and pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM Cl)