EFMB Medical Skills & Combat Medicine 5

Question 1

Which landmark is used to perform an emergency intraosseous (IO) insertion at the proximal tibia?

Accepted Answer

2 cm below the tibial tuberosity on the anteromedial surface

Answer

The proximal tibial IO site is 2 cm below the tibial tuberosity on the flat anteromedial surface of the tibia, away from the growth plate.

Question 2

What is the first action when a combat casualty goes into cardiac arrest due to non-traumatic causes (e.g., heat stroke)?

Accepted Answer

Begin CPR immediately

Answer

For non-traumatic cardiac arrest, standard CPR (chest compressions and ventilations) should begin immediately according to TCCC guidelines.

Question 3

What condition is indicated by absent breath sounds unilaterally, hypotension, and distended neck veins in a mechanically ventilated casualty?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

The triad of absent unilateral breath sounds, hypotension, and JVD in a ventilated patient is the classic presentation of tension pneumothorax.

Question 4

A casualty presents with Beck's Triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds, JVD) after a penetrating chest wound. What injury should you suspect?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's Triad — hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular vein distension — is the classic presentation of cardiac tamponade caused by blood in the pericardial sac.

Question 5

When treating a combat casualty for hypothermia prevention, at what core body temperature does severe hypothermia (risk of cardiac arrhythmia) begin?

Accepted Answer

Below 30°C (86°F)

Answer

Severe hypothermia is defined as a core temperature below 30°C (86°F), at which ventricular fibrillation and other life-threatening arrhythmias become likely.

(EFMB) Expert Field Medical Badge Practice Test

(EFMB) Expert Field Medical Badge Practice Test

EFMB Medical Skills & Combat Medicine 5