FCTC Test Technical Reading and Recall Questions and Answers Flashcards

A passage on forcible entry states: 'The through-the-lock method is preferred when time permits because it preserves the door and frame.' In which scenario would this method be LEAST appropriate?

Answer: A reported cardiac arrest victim locked inside a residential unit

When a life-threatening emergency exists, speed is critical and the faster conventional forcible entry method should be used rather than the time-consuming through-the-lock method.

A ventilation passage states: 'Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans should be positioned 8–10 feet from the entry opening to create an effective cone of air.' What is the consequence of placing the fan TOO CLOSE to the opening?

Answer: Air bypasses the opening around the fan cone, reducing efficiency

Placing a PPV fan too close causes the air cone to miss the opening edges, allowing air to recirculate around the fan rather than pressurizing the structure.

According to a passage on hydraulics, every 1 psi of pressure can lift water approximately 2.31 feet. If a standpipe system must supply water to the 15th floor (150 feet elevation), how much additional pressure is needed to overcome elevation?

Answer: 65 PSI

150 feet ÷ 2.31 feet per PSI ≈ 65 PSI of back-pressure must be overcome to deliver water to that elevation.

A wildland-urban interface (WUI) passage describes the 'defensible space' concept as having two zones. Zone 1 (0–30 feet) requires 'lean, clean, and green' vegetation. Zone 2 (30–100 feet) requires reducing fuel continuity. What is the PRIMARY goal of Zone 2?

Answer: Slowing fire spread and reducing flame length before fire reaches Zone 1

Zone 2 reduces horizontal and vertical fuel continuity so approaching wildfire slows and loses intensity before reaching the structure.

A passage on hazmat placards states: 'A white four-digit placard with an orange panel indicates a UN identification number.' A truck displaying UN 1203 is involved in an accident. What does this number identify?

Answer: Gasoline

UN 1203 is the internationally recognized identification number for gasoline (petrol).

A passage on search and rescue states: 'The thermal imaging camera (TIC) detects heat signatures but cannot see through walls.' A firefighter using a TIC in a smoke-filled room sees a bright white shape on the floor. What should this indicate?

Answer: A heat source such as a fire victim, hot floor, or burning material

Bright white areas on a TIC display indicate high heat sources, which could be a fire victim, extremely hot surfaces, or active fire.

A passage on EMS triage using the START system states: patients who are breathing more than 30 times per minute after repositioning the airway are tagged which color?

Answer: Red (immediate)

In START triage, a respiratory rate over 30 breaths per minute after airway repositioning classifies a patient as Red (immediate), indicating critical priority.