EMS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EMS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which benchmark does the American College of Emergency Physicians recommend for door-to-balloon time in STEMI patients? → 90 minutes
2. During a pediatric assessment using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), which three components are evaluated? → Appearance, Work of Breathing, Circulation to skin
3. The prefix 'tachy-' means: → Fast
4. An EMT suspects child abuse based on physical findings. The EMT is legally required to: → Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities per mandatory reporting laws
5. A 6-month-old presents with fever, bulging fontanelle, and high-pitched cry. What should the EMT suspect? → Meningitis
6. A patient experiencing a hypertensive emergency has a BP of 220/130 mmHg with altered mental status. What is the field management priority? → Lower BP by no more than 25% in the first hour per medical direction
7. Oral glucose (Glutose) is indicated for hypoglycemia only when the patient: → Is conscious and can protect their own airway
8. A 3-year-old is found unresponsive. Using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), which component assesses work of breathing? → Work of breathing (retractions, abnormal sounds)
9. Which type of feedback is most effective in changing EMS provider behavior according to quality improvement research? → Immediate, specific, case-based feedback tied to patient outcomes
10. What is the importance of staying current with trends in Pharmacology & Drug Administration for Emergency Medical Services Certified? → It ensures practices remain effective and relevant
11. Which of the following patients would require droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions? → A patient with influenza and fever
12. A patient with chickenpox (varicella) requires which transmission-based precaution? → Both airborne and contact precautions
13. Justice as an EMS ethical principle primarily means: → Treating all patients fairly and distributing resources equitably
14. Which sign is most specific for a basilar skull fracture? → Battle's sign (mastoid ecchymosis)
15. A patient in PEA arrest has bilateral absent breath sounds after intubation. What is the FIRST action? → Remove the ETT and BVM ventilate
16. Which finding differentiates pulseless electrical activity (PEA) from asystole on the monitor? → PEA shows organized electrical activity without a palpable pulse
17. Which of the following is a key principle of workplace safety in Emergency Medical Services Certified? → Reporting all near-misses and incidents
18. A patient on beta-blockers develops severe bradycardia unresponsive to atropine. Which drug may be considered next per advanced protocol? → Calcium chloride or glucagon
19. The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires employers to provide hepatitis B vaccination to EMS employees: → Within 10 working days of initial assignment
20. What does the term 'engineering control' refer to in infection control? → Physical devices that reduce exposure to hazards, such as needleless IV systems
21. Which intervention is the definitive prehospital treatment for a symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine? → Transcutaneous pacing (TCP)
22. Which of the following best describes 'standard precautions' as defined by the CDC? → Precautions applied to all patients regardless of known or suspected infection status
23. Under HIPAA, EMS providers may share patient information without consent for which of the following purposes? → Treatment, payment, and healthcare operations (TPO)
24. Which of the following is NOT a component of the APGAR score? → Blood pressure
25. A patient is found unresponsive with pinpoint pupils, cyanosis, and a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute. What is the most likely cause? → Opioid overdose
26. How does a 'near miss' reporting system contribute to EMS quality improvement? → It allows identification of system vulnerabilities before serious harm occurs
27. What is the primary indication for using a tourniquet in trauma care? → When direct pressure fails to control severe bleeding
28. Which safety practice is essential for preventing cross-contamination in Emergency Medical Services Certified? → Proper hand hygiene and equipment sanitation
29. The recommended rate for rescue breathing in an adult with a pulse but absent respirations is: → 10-12 breaths per minute
30. The prefix 'brady-' in medical terminology means: → Slow