FISDAP FISDAP EMS Operations and Scene Management 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a mass casualty incident (MCI), which triage system is most commonly used by EMS in the United States?
- SALT triage
- START triage (Correct answer)
- SIEVE triage
- CESIRA triage
Correct answer: START triage
START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) is the most widely adopted MCI triage system used by EMS agencies across the United States.
Question 2: An EMT arrives at a scene where a patient was struck by lightning. After confirming scene safety, what is the correct order of priorities?
- Move the patient, then begin CPR (Correct answer)
- Begin CPR immediately without moving the patient
- Wait for ALS before touching the patient
- Assess airway, then check for spinal injury
Correct answer: Move the patient, then begin CPR
Lightning strike victims should be moved to safety first if still in a hazardous area, then CPR initiated since these patients have a higher survival rate with aggressive resuscitation.
Question 3: When operating at a highway incident scene, EMS personnel should park their unit at a minimum of how far from the wreckage on a high-speed roadway?
- 50 feet uphill and upwind
- 100 feet past the scene
- At least 100 feet back with apparatus angled to create a buffer (Correct answer)
- Directly adjacent to the vehicles involved
Correct answer: At least 100 feet back with apparatus angled to create a buffer
EMS units should be positioned at least 100 feet from the wreckage with the unit angled to deflect oncoming traffic and protect the work zone.
Question 4: A patient in cardiac arrest is found in a confined space with suspected CO exposure. What is the FIRST action the EMS crew should take?
- Enter and begin CPR immediately
- Don SCBA and enter to retrieve the patient
- Request a confined space rescue team and ensure scene safety before entry (Correct answer)
- Lower an AED into the space using a rope
Correct answer: Request a confined space rescue team and ensure scene safety before entry
EMS personnel should not enter a confined space with suspected CO until properly trained confined space rescue personnel arrive and the atmosphere is confirmed safe.
Question 5: During an MCI, a patient is found unresponsive, not breathing, and has no palpable pulse. Under START triage, this patient is categorized as:
- Immediate (Red)
- Delayed (Yellow)
- Minor (Green)
- Expectant (Black) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Expectant (Black)
Under START triage, a patient who is not breathing after repositioning the airway is tagged Expectant (Black) during an MCI when resources are overwhelmed.
Question 6: Which federal system provides a standardized incident management framework that EMS agencies are required to use during declared disasters?
- ICS (Incident Command System)
- NIMS (National Incident Management System) (Correct answer)
- FEMA Emergency Support Function
- EOP (Emergency Operations Plan)
Correct answer: NIMS (National Incident Management System)
NIMS provides the comprehensive national framework, of which ICS is a component, and all agencies receiving federal preparedness funding must comply with NIMS.
Question 7: An EMS provider witnesses a bystander collapse at a shopping mall. After confirming unresponsiveness, the NEXT immediate step is:
- Apply the AED immediately
- Activate EMS and retrieve the AED (Correct answer)
- Begin chest compressions
- Check for a pulse for 10 seconds
Correct answer: Activate EMS and retrieve the AED
Per AHA guidelines, activating EMS (call 911 or direct someone to call) and retrieving the AED should occur simultaneously with or immediately before beginning CPR when a second rescuer is available.
FISDAP FISDAP EMS Operations and Scene Management 4
During a mass casualty incident (MCI), which triage system is most commonly used by EMS in the United States?