EFMB Triage & Mass Casualty Management 3

Question 1

Which change in a patient's condition should prompt a triage officer to UPGRADE a casualty from Delayed (T2) to Immediate (T1)?

Accepted Answer

Declining mental status and dropping blood pressure

Answer

Increasing pain at a wound site

Answer

Discovery of a new superficial laceration

Answer

Patient complaint of increased thirst

Question 2

In a chemical agent mass casualty event, what must occur BEFORE triage and treatment begin?

Accepted Answer

Decontaminate casualties to prevent cross-contamination of providers

Answer

Administer antidotes to all casualties immediately

Answer

Establish triage categories based on symptom severity

Answer

Evacuate all casualties to the nearest treatment facility

Question 3

What is 'reverse triage' and in what situation is it used?

Accepted Answer

Treating the least injured first to quickly return them to duty

Answer

Treating the most critically injured first regardless of resources

Answer

A triage method used exclusively for pediatric casualties

Answer

Triaging from the rear area back toward the point of injury

Question 4

A patient in a mass casualty event is unconscious, apneic, and pulseless. What triage category should this patient receive in a true MASCAL?

Accepted Answer

Expectant (T4) — unless sufficient resources allow resuscitation

Answer

Immediate (T1) — begin CPR immediately

Answer

Delayed (T2) — stabilize and monitor for recovery

Answer

Minimal (T3) — the patient may recover spontaneously

Question 5

During TCCC, after sealing a penetrating chest wound a patient begins to deteriorate with worsening respiratory distress. What is the NEXT priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Perform needle chest decompression at the 2nd ICS, MCL

Answer

Administer IV morphine for pain and anxiety

Answer

Apply an additional pressure dressing over the seal

Answer

Initiate CPR immediately

Question 6

When resources are extremely limited, what is the PRIMARY criterion for separating Immediate (T1) from Delayed (T2) casualties?

Accepted Answer

Likelihood of survival given available resources

Answer

Age of the casualty

Answer

Rank of the casualty

Answer

Time elapsed since the injury occurred

Question 7

In a mixed trauma and medical emergency MASCAL, which patient would most appropriately receive an 'Immediate' (T1) triage category?

Accepted Answer

A patient with a sucking chest wound and declining oxygen saturation

Answer

A patient with a closed femur fracture and stable vital signs

Answer

A patient with multiple abrasions and contusions across the torso

Answer

A patient with a sprained ankle who is ambulatory but in pain