EMD Dispatch Life Support Instructions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When giving telephone CPR instructions for an infant under 1 year, the dispatcher should instruct the caller to use:
- Both hands with full chest compression
- Two fingers on the center of the chest just below the nipple line (Correct answer)
- One hand heel compression only
- The palm of one hand across the full chest
Correct answer: Two fingers on the center of the chest just below the nipple line
Infant CPR uses two fingers (index and middle) placed on the sternum just below the nipple line to deliver appropriately sized compressions.
Question 2: A caller reports a patient is choking and can still cough forcefully and speak. The dispatcher's best instruction is to:
- Begin abdominal thrusts immediately
- Call back when the patient can no longer speak
- Encourage the patient to keep coughing and stay on the line (Correct answer)
- Instruct the caller to begin back blows
Correct answer: Encourage the patient to keep coughing and stay on the line
A patient with a mild (partial) obstruction who can still cough and speak should be encouraged to continue coughing, as the natural response may clear the airway.
Question 3: In EMD Dispatch Life Support, the term 'agonal breathing' is important because it:
- Indicates the patient is breathing adequately and does not need CPR
- Can be mistaken for normal breathing, delaying CPR instructions (Correct answer)
- Means the patient needs rescue breaths but not chest compressions
- Is a sign that CPR should be stopped immediately
Correct answer: Can be mistaken for normal breathing, delaying CPR instructions
Agonal breathing (irregular, gasping breaths) may be mistaken for normal breathing by callers, causing delayed CPR initiation — dispatchers must recognize and clarify this.
Question 4: A caller reports an adult with a severe nosebleed that has been going on for 20 minutes. The dispatcher should instruct the caller to:
- Tilt the patient's head back and place ice on the forehead
- Have the patient lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose firmly (Correct answer)
- Pack the nostril with tissue as deep as possible
- Have the patient lie flat with legs elevated
Correct answer: Have the patient lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose firmly
Leaning forward prevents blood from being swallowed and pinching the soft tissue of the nose applies pressure to the bleeding vessels.
Question 5: When instructing a caller on CPR compression depth for an adult patient, the dispatcher should specify at least:
- 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
- 2 inches (5 cm) (Correct answer)
- 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Correct answer: 2 inches (5 cm)
AHA guidelines specify at least 2 inches (5 cm) of compression depth in adults, without exceeding 2.4 inches to avoid injury.
Question 6: A caller states a pregnant woman (approximately 36 weeks) is experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain. The dispatcher should:
- Instruct the caller to time contractions and prepare for delivery
- Treat as high priority and provide instructions to keep the patient still and calm while EMS responds urgently (Correct answer)
- Advise the caller to drive the patient to the hospital immediately
- Instruct the caller to apply pressure to the abdomen
Correct answer: Treat as high priority and provide instructions to keep the patient still and calm while EMS responds urgently
Heavy bleeding with severe abdominal pain in late pregnancy suggests placental abruption or previa — an obstetric emergency requiring urgent EMS response; patient should not be moved unnecessarily.
Question 7: During a DLS call, a caller becomes panicked and begins yelling, making it hard to provide instructions. The dispatcher should:
- Raise their own voice to match the caller's intensity
- Speak in a calm, firm, and controlled tone to redirect the caller's focus (Correct answer)
- Hang up and call back when the caller is calmer
- Transfer the call to a supervisor immediately
Correct answer: Speak in a calm, firm, and controlled tone to redirect the caller's focus
Dispatchers are trained to use a calm, controlled, authoritative voice to de-escalate panicked callers and redirect focus to life-saving actions.
EMD Dispatch Life Support Instructions 3
When giving telephone CPR instructions for an infant under 1 year, the dispatcher should instruct the caller to use: