Medical Emergency Preparedness Flashcards

What is the first step in controlling severe external bleeding?

Answer: Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound

Firm, direct pressure on the wound is the first and most effective way to control bleeding.

Where should a tourniquet be placed for life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg?

Answer: 2 to 3 inches above the wound, not on a joint

A tourniquet goes 2 to 3 inches above the wound, between the wound and the heart, and not over a joint.

Which signs most strongly suggest a victim is going into shock?

Answer: Pale, cool, clammy skin with a rapid, weak pulse

Shock typically causes pale, cool, clammy skin and a rapid, weak pulse as blood flow fails.

An unresponsive occupant is breathing normally and has no suspected spinal injury. How should they be positioned while waiting for EMS?

Answer: In the recovery position on their side

The recovery position keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain from the mouth.

What is the main purpose of Good Samaritan laws?

Answer: To protect people who give reasonable emergency aid in good faith from liability

Good Samaritan laws protect people who give reasonable emergency care in good faith from legal liability.

After a medical emergency, what should the FLS Director record in the log?

Answer: The time, location, actions taken, and when responders arrived

A thorough incident log shows the timeline, the location, staff actions, and how responders were coordinated.

An occupant is unresponsive with very slow breathing and pinpoint pupils, and an opioid overdose is suspected. Besides calling 911, what can a trained responder give?

Answer: Naloxone (Narcan)

Naloxone reverses opioid overdose and is available as a nasal spray for lay responders.