EMD Medical Priority Dispatch System 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In MPDS, which priority level indicates an immediately life-threatening emergency requiring the highest response level?
- Alpha
- Charlie
- Delta
- Echo (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Echo
Echo (E) is the highest MPDS priority, reserved for immediately life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest.
Question 2: In the MPDS determinant code '9-D-2,' what does the letter 'D' represent?
- The doctor authorizing the response
- The Delta priority level (Correct answer)
- The district of the emergency
- The date the protocol was updated
Correct answer: The Delta priority level
The middle letter in an MPDS determinant code represents the priority level; 'D' stands for Delta, indicating a serious, potentially life-threatening call.
Question 3: Which MPDS priority level is typically associated with a lights-and-siren BLS response?
- Alpha
- Bravo (Correct answer)
- Omega
- Echo
Correct answer: Bravo
Bravo (B) determinants indicate a moderate-priority call that typically warrants a lights-and-siren BLS response.
Question 4: An 'Omega' determinant code in MPDS typically results in which type of response?
- The highest priority ALS response
- A cardiac arrest response with multiple units
- No ambulance being sent or a low-priority no-lights response (Correct answer)
- An immediate air medical transport
Correct answer: No ambulance being sent or a low-priority no-lights response
Omega determinants identify low-acuity situations where no ambulance is dispatched or only a non-emergency response is warranted.
Question 5: How many numbered protocols are included in the standard MPDS?
- 24
- 28
- 33 (Correct answer)
- 40
Correct answer: 33
The MPDS consists of 33 protocols, each designed to address a specific chief complaint category.
Question 6: Which specific emergency does MPDS Protocol 9 address?
- Breathing problems
- Chest pain (non-arrest)
- Cardiac and respiratory arrest (Correct answer)
- Stroke and TIA
Correct answer: Cardiac and respiratory arrest
Protocol 9 is dedicated to Cardiac/Respiratory Arrest and contains the most critical pre-arrival instructions in MPDS.
Question 7: In MPDS, a 'Delta' level determinant generally indicates what type of situation?
- A minor, non-urgent medical situation
- A serious, potentially life-threatening emergency typically requiring ALS (Correct answer)
- A routine interfacility transfer
- A low-acuity psychiatric call only
Correct answer: A serious, potentially life-threatening emergency typically requiring ALS
Delta determinants identify serious, potentially life-threatening emergencies that typically warrant an ALS response.
EMD Medical Priority Dispatch System 2
In MPDS, which priority level indicates an immediately life-threatening emergency requiring the highest response level?