EFMB Field Training & Endurance 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the combat load bearing equipment (LBE/LBV) during EFMB field training stations?
- To simulate operational conditions and ensure soldiers are ready to treat while equipped (Correct answer)
- To add weight for physical fitness testing
- To carry all medical supplies needed for the exam
- To satisfy uniform requirements only
Correct answer: To simulate operational conditions and ensure soldiers are ready to treat while equipped
Combat equipment is worn during EFMB stations to replicate real operational conditions where medics must perform tasks while fully equipped.
Question 2: During a 3-day field exercise, a soldier complains of weakness, nausea, headache, and confusion after drinking large amounts of water. Serum sodium is likely:
- Elevated (hypernatremia)
- Normal
- Low (hyponatremia) (Correct answer)
- Unaffected by water intake
Correct answer: Low (hyponatremia)
Drinking excessive plain water without electrolyte replacement dilutes serum sodium, causing hyponatremia with these neurological symptoms.
Question 3: What is the correct treatment priority for a casualty with hypothermia in the field?
- Administer warm IV fluids first
- Prevent further heat loss before attempting active rewarming (Correct answer)
- Rub the extremities vigorously to generate heat
- Remove all wet clothing only if shelter is unavailable
Correct answer: Prevent further heat loss before attempting active rewarming
Preventing further heat loss (passive rewarming) is the first priority; active rewarming without shelter can cause dangerous rewarming complications.
Question 4: During a field training exercise, a medic identifies a casualty with a core temperature below 86°F (30°C). This represents:
- Mild hypothermia
- Moderate hypothermia
- Severe hypothermia (Correct answer)
- Subfreezing exposure
Correct answer: Severe hypothermia
Core temperature below 86°F (30°C) indicates severe hypothermia, which carries significant risk of cardiac arrhythmia.
Question 5: When establishing a patrol base during field training, the medic's primary responsibility includes:
- Setting up the radio communications net
- Conducting a health and welfare check of all soldiers (Correct answer)
- Building fortifications at the perimeter
- Coordinating logistics for the entire unit
Correct answer: Conducting a health and welfare check of all soldiers
The unit medic conducts health and welfare checks at the patrol base to identify injuries, illness, and preventive medicine issues.
Question 6: A soldier participating in a forced road march develops a hot spot on his heel after 4 miles. What is the correct action to prevent worsening?
- Continue marching and treat at the end
- Pop the blister immediately to relieve pressure
- Apply moleskin or protective padding over the hot spot (Correct answer)
- Remove the boot and march in socks
Correct answer: Apply moleskin or protective padding over the hot spot
Applying moleskin or protective padding over a hot spot prevents blister formation and allows continued safe operation.
Question 7: During EFMB preparation, why is acclimatization important before conducting physical performance testing in hot environments?
- It is not important — performance is equal regardless of acclimatization
- Acclimatization increases plasma volume and improves thermoregulation over 7-14 days (Correct answer)
- Acclimatization takes only 24 hours and involves drinking extra fluids
- It only matters for soldiers from cold climates
Correct answer: Acclimatization increases plasma volume and improves thermoregulation over 7-14 days
Heat acclimatization over 7-14 days expands plasma volume, improves sweat efficiency, and lowers resting core temperature, significantly improving heat tolerance.
EFMB Field Training & Endurance 4
What is the primary purpose of the combat load bearing equipment (LBE/LBV) during EFMB field training stations?