EMD Trauma and Injury Scenarios 2

Question 1

A caller reports a motorcyclist struck a guardrail at highway speed. The patient is unresponsive but breathing. What is the FIRST priority instruction for bystanders?

Accepted Answer

Do not move the patient unless there is immediate danger

Answer

Remove the helmet immediately to open the airway

Answer

Begin CPR compressions

Answer

Elevate the patient's legs to prevent shock

Question 2

During a call about a construction worker who fell 20 feet, the caller says the patient is conscious but cannot feel his legs. What should the EMD do?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch and instruct callers to keep the patient completely still

Answer

Advise the caller to sit the patient upright

Answer

Tell caller to apply a tourniquet to the lower extremities

Answer

Ask caller to have the patient try to wiggle fingers

Question 3

A caller describes a patient with a large laceration that is 'spurting bright red blood' from the upper thigh. Which pre-arrival instruction is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Instruct caller to apply a tourniquet 2 inches above the wound

Answer

Apply a cold compress and elevate the leg

Answer

Apply firm direct pressure immediately

Answer

Have the caller keep the patient talking and walking

Question 4

A child is reported to have been struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle. The caller says the child is crying and holding her arm. What additional information is MOST critical for dispatch?

Accepted Answer

Whether the child lost consciousness at any point

Answer

The child's age and weight

Answer

The make and model of the vehicle

Answer

The child's vaccination history

Question 5

A caller reports a stabbing victim with a knife still embedded in the abdomen. What pre-arrival instruction should the EMD give?

Accepted Answer

Instruct the caller NOT to remove the knife

Answer

Advise the caller to carefully remove the knife

Answer

Tell the caller to push the knife in deeper to control bleeding

Answer

Tell caller to apply a tourniquet around the abdomen

Question 6

A caller reports a patient crushed under a heavy machine for approximately 30 minutes. Rescuers are about to lift the machine. What hazard should the EMD warn responders about?

Accepted Answer

Crush syndrome causing cardiac arrhythmias upon release

Answer

Hypothermia from prolonged immobility

Answer

Air embolism from pressure release

Answer

Immediate fracture of all long bones

Question 7

A caller reports a patient with an open chest wound making a 'sucking' sound with each breath. What pre-arrival instruction is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Instruct caller to cover the wound with a gloved hand or occlusive material

Answer

Have the patient breathe as deeply as possible

Answer

Advise caller to apply firm compression to both sides of the chest

Answer

Tell caller to have the patient cough forcefully