FACEM Emergency Response Procedures 4

Question 1

A pediatric patient is brought in following a building collapse. Using the JumpSTART modification of START triage, what additional step is taken for a non-breathing child before assigning the black tag?

Accepted Answer

Perform 15 seconds of rescue breathing

Answer

JumpSTART allows 15 seconds of rescue breathing for a pulseless, non-breathing child before assigning a black tag, recognizing that children may have respiratory arrest from airway obstruction.

Question 2

In the context of disaster medicine, which term describes the capacity of a healthcare system to absorb a surge in patient volume while maintaining standard of care?

Accepted Answer

Surge capacity

Answer

Surge capacity is the ability of a healthcare system to rapidly expand beyond normal services to meet an increased demand for clinical care.

Question 3

A patient with suspected cyanide poisoning from a building fire presents with altered consciousness and persistent lactic acidosis despite high-flow oxygen. What antidote is indicated?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxocobalamin

Answer

Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit) is the preferred antidote for cyanide toxicity in fire victims as it binds cyanide to form cyanocobalamin without causing methemoglobin.

Question 4

What is the recommended minimum safe distance for emergency responders to an overturned tanker truck with an unknown hazardous material in a populated area, per ERG guidelines?

Accepted Answer

300 meters (1,000 feet)

Answer

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) recommends an initial isolation distance of at least 300 meters for an unknown dangerous goods spill in a populated area.

Question 5

During a prolonged mass casualty event, which ethical framework is MOST commonly used in disaster triage to guide resource allocation decisions?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian (greatest good for the greatest number)

Answer

Utilitarian principles underpin disaster triage, prioritizing interventions that maximize survival across the largest number of patients when resources are scarce.

(FACEM) Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Practice Test

(FACEM) Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Practice Test

FACEM Emergency Response Procedures 4