EMPCO Emergency Protocols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a mass casualty incident at a worksite, the Incident Command System (ICS) role responsible for treating patients at the treatment area is the:
- Medical Group Supervisor (Correct answer)
- Operations Section Chief
- Safety Officer
- Logistics Section Chief
Correct answer: Medical Group Supervisor
The Medical Group Supervisor oversees triage, treatment, and transport functions within the ICS during a mass casualty event.
Question 2: A worker is found unresponsive after an electrical shock. Before approaching the victim, the responder MUST:
- Ensure the power source is de-energized and the scene is safe (Correct answer)
- Begin CPR immediately from a distance
- Apply an AED without checking the scene
- Call the worker's name loudly three times
Correct answer: Ensure the power source is de-energized and the scene is safe
Scene safety is the absolute first step; approaching an electrocution victim while power is active puts the responder at lethal risk.
Question 3: What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR per AHA guidelines?
- 30 compressions to 2 ventilations (Correct answer)
- 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
- 15 compressions to 1 ventilation
- 30 compressions to 1 ventilation
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
The AHA recommends a 30:2 ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR to minimize interruptions to chest compressions.
Question 4: An EMPCO occupational health nurse suspects a worker has heat stroke. Which finding distinguishes heat stroke from heat exhaustion?
- Altered mental status and body temperature above 104°F (40°C) (Correct answer)
- Heavy sweating and muscle cramps
- Pale, cool, and clammy skin
- Rapid heart rate with normal body temperature
Correct answer: Altered mental status and body temperature above 104°F (40°C)
Heat stroke is characterized by central nervous system dysfunction and a core temperature exceeding 104°F, distinguishing it from heat exhaustion.
Question 5: When using an AED on a worker with a pacemaker, the responder should:
- Place the pads at least 1 inch away from the pacemaker device (Correct answer)
- Avoid using the AED entirely if a pacemaker is visible
- Place one pad directly over the pacemaker
- Reduce the AED shock energy by half
Correct answer: Place the pads at least 1 inch away from the pacemaker device
AED pads should be placed at least 1 inch from an implanted pacemaker to avoid interfering with the shock delivery.
Question 6: Which element is REQUIRED in a workplace Emergency Action Plan per 29 CFR 1910.38?
- Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency (Correct answer)
- A list of all employees' medical histories
- Monthly fire drill completion logs
- A contract with a local hospital for employee treatment
Correct answer: Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency
OSHA's EAP standard specifically requires procedures for reporting emergencies such as fire as a core written component.
Question 7: A worker with a known severe peanut allergy develops hives, throat tightening, and wheezing after lunch. The FIRST line treatment is:
- Administer epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and call 911 (Correct answer)
- Give oral diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and observe
- Apply a cold compress to the neck and monitor breathing
- Have the worker sit upright and drink water
Correct answer: Administer epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and call 911
Anaphylaxis with airway involvement requires immediate epinephrine; antihistamines alone are inadequate for life-threatening anaphylaxis.
EMPCO Emergency Protocols 3
During a mass casualty incident at a worksite, the Incident Command System (ICS) role responsible for treating patients at the treatment area is the: