FACEM Emergency Response Procedures 5

Question 1

Which biological agent causing respiratory failure is classified as a Category A bioterrorism agent due to its high case-fatality rate and person-to-person transmission potential?

Accepted Answer

Pneumonic plague (Yersinia pestis)

Answer

Pneumonic plague (Yersinia pestis) is a Category A agent because of its near 100% mortality if untreated, aerosol transmissibility, and high potential for mass casualties.

Question 2

In a multi-vehicle highway crash with 20 casualties, the unified command structure should include representatives from which agencies?

Accepted Answer

Police, fire, and EMS/medical

Answer

Unified command in a highway MCI requires representation from police (scene security/traffic), fire (extrication/hazmat), and EMS/medical (patient care coordination).

Question 3

A patient arrives from a chemical spill with severe bronchospasm, lacrimation, salivation, and muscle fasciculations. Which class of agents is MOST likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Cholinergic agents (organophosphates/nerve agents)

Answer

The SLUDGE/DUMBELS constellation of cholinergic symptoms (salivation, lacrimation, fasciculations, bronchospasm) indicates nerve agent or organophosphate exposure.

Question 4

Under crisis standards of care (CSC) during a declared disaster, which change to normal medical practice may be ethically permissible?

Accepted Answer

Withdrawing ventilators from patients unlikely to survive to benefit those more likely to survive

Answer

CSC frameworks may ethically permit ventilator reallocation from patients very unlikely to survive to those with better prognosis, guided by established triage protocols and ethics committees.

Question 5

What is the PRIMARY purpose of after-action reports (AARs) following a disaster or mass casualty event?

Accepted Answer

Identifying lessons learned to improve future emergency response

Answer

AARs are primarily designed to identify lessons learned—both strengths and areas for improvement—to enhance preparedness and response effectiveness in future events.

(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 5