EMT Equipment and Tools 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which splint type uses air pressure to immobilize a fracture and also helps control hemorrhage by applying circumferential compression?
- Padded rigid splint
- Traction splint
- Pneumatic (air) splint (Correct answer)
- SAM splint
Correct answer: Pneumatic (air) splint
Pneumatic (inflatable) splints immobilize extremity fractures while the circumferential air pressure also helps tamponade bleeding.
Question 2: A traction splint (e.g., Hare or Sager) is specifically indicated for which type of fracture?
- Closed midshaft femur fracture (Correct answer)
- Open tibia/fibula fracture
- Distal femur fracture near the knee
- Hip fracture or dislocation
Correct answer: Closed midshaft femur fracture
Traction splints are indicated for closed midshaft femur fractures to relieve muscle spasm, reduce pain, and minimize blood loss.
Question 3: When applying a cervical collar, the correct sizing is determined by measuring:
- The circumference of the patient's neck
- The distance from the chin to the top of the shoulder (Correct answer)
- The distance from the chin to the chest
- The width of the patient's shoulders
Correct answer: The distance from the chin to the top of the shoulder
Cervical collar size is determined by measuring the distance from the patient's chin to the top of the trapezius (shoulder) with the neck in neutral position.
Question 4: The PASG (pneumatic anti-shock garment) is currently contraindicated in which condition?
- Pelvic fracture with hypotension
- Penetrating chest trauma (Correct answer)
- Bilateral femur fractures
- Abdominal evisceration with bleeding
Correct answer: Penetrating chest trauma
PASG is contraindicated in penetrating chest trauma because increased preload can worsen intrathoracic hemorrhage.
Question 5: Which backboard immobilization device is most appropriate for extricating a sitting patient with a suspected spinal injury from a vehicle?
- Long backboard (LBB)
- Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) (Correct answer)
- Scoop stretcher
- Vacuum mattress
Correct answer: Kendrick Extrication Device (KED)
The KED (or similar vest-type device) is designed for sitting patients, securing the torso and head before rotating and removing from the vehicle.
Question 6: When using a scoop (orthopedic) stretcher, the device is assembled by:
- Sliding it under the patient from the feet
- Separating it into two halves and sliding each side under the patient (Correct answer)
- Rolling the patient onto it with a log roll
- Lifting the patient onto it with four rescuers
Correct answer: Separating it into two halves and sliding each side under the patient
A scoop stretcher splits longitudinally into two halves that are slid under each side of the patient, minimizing spinal movement.
Question 7: A stair chair is MOST appropriate for transporting a patient who:
- Has a suspected spinal injury and is supine
- Is ambulatory but weak and needs assistance on stairs (Correct answer)
- Requires continuous CPR during transport
- Has bilateral lower extremity fractures
Correct answer: Is ambulatory but weak and needs assistance on stairs
A stair chair is designed for ambulatory or seated patients who need assistance navigating stairs but do not require a flat supine position.
EMT Equipment and Tools 3
Which splint type uses air pressure to immobilize a fracture and also helps control hemorrhage by applying circumferential compression?