EMS Clinical Procedures & Protocols 3

Question 1

According to standard EMS protocols, when should spinal motion restriction (SMR) be applied?

Accepted Answer

Patients with mechanism of injury AND at least one spinal complaint or neurological finding

Answer

Current evidence-based protocols reserve SMR for patients who have a significant mechanism of injury combined with spinal tenderness, neurological deficit, or altered mental status.

Question 2

What is the maximum duration a single CPR analysis/shock cycle should interrupt chest compressions (CCF target)?

Accepted Answer

No more than 10 seconds

Answer

AHA guidelines recommend limiting hands-off time (peri-shock pause) to less than 10 seconds to maximize chest compression fraction.

Question 3

A patient with suspected opioid overdose is unresponsive with a respiratory rate of 4/min. What is the correct initial intervention sequence?

Accepted Answer

Support airway and ventilation first, then administer naloxone

Answer

Airway management and assisted ventilation take priority in opioid OD; naloxone is given to reverse respiratory depression once ventilation is supported.

Question 4

When using a supraglottic airway (SGA) such as a King LT, tube depth is confirmed by:

Accepted Answer

Observing chest rise and auscultating bilateral breath sounds after inflation of both cuffs

Answer

Confirmation of SGA placement requires inflating both cuffs per manufacturer protocol, then verifying chest rise and bilateral breath sounds.

Question 5

During a difficult airway scenario, a BVM provides inadequate ventilation after two attempts. Per the failed airway algorithm, the next step is:

Accepted Answer

Insert a supraglottic airway device

Answer

When BVM fails, the failed airway algorithm directs placement of a supraglottic airway before progressing to a surgical airway.

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test

EMS Clinical Procedures & Protocols 3