FREE FireTEAM Situational Judgment: Interacting with the Public Questions and Answers

Question 1

You arrive on the scene of a medical emergency. A family member of the patient is frantic and yelling questions at you while you are trying to assess the situation. What is the best approach?

Accepted Answer

Calmly but firmly say, 'I understand you're scared, but I need you to give me a moment to help them. I will update you as soon as I can.'

Answer

Ignore the family member completely and focus only on the patient.

Answer

Yell back at the family member to be quiet.

Answer

Immediately have the family member removed from the room.

Question 2

After extinguishing a small kitchen fire, the homeowner is very apologetic and embarrassed about the mess and damage from the extinguisher. How should you respond?

Accepted Answer

Tell them, 'You did the right thing by calling us. We'd rather be here for a small fire than a big one.'

Answer

Lecture them on fire safety and the importance of being more careful.

Answer

Agree with them that it is a big mess and begin cleaning up without saying anything.

Answer

Provide them with a form detailing the potential fines for a negligent fire.

Question 3

While on duty and buying groceries for the station, a citizen approaches you and complains about the city's budget and how much firefighters are paid. What is the most professional response?

Accepted Answer

Listen politely and suggest they voice their concerns at a city council meeting or to their elected officials.

Answer

Argue with them and defend your salary and the department's budget.

Answer

Tell them it's none of their business and walk away.

Answer

Ignore them and continue shopping.

Question 4

You are at a public event for fire prevention week. A child asks you if being a firefighter is scary. What is the best way to answer?

Accepted Answer

Tell them that sometimes it can be, but we have great training and work as a team to stay safe.

Answer

No, it's not scary at all; it's just like what you see in the movies.

Answer

Yes, it's the most terrifying job in the world.

Answer

Change the subject and ask the child about their favorite superhero.

Question 5

You respond to a car accident where there are no serious injuries. One of the drivers becomes verbally aggressive toward the other. What is your primary role in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Focus on checking for injuries and hazards like fluid leaks, while ensuring law enforcement is aware of the conflict.

Answer

Physically separate the drivers and tell them to calm down.

Answer

Take sides with the driver who appears to be in the right.

Answer

Tell both drivers that their argument is not your problem.

Question 6

A person is filming your crew with a smartphone as you work at an emergency scene. They are not interfering with your operations. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Continue performing your duties professionally and ignore the filming.

Answer

Demand that the person stop filming immediately.

Answer

Block their camera with your hand or a piece of equipment.

Answer

Stop what you are doing and ask your officer for permission to call the police.

You arrive on the scene of a medical emergency.A family member of the patient is frantic and yelling questions at you while you are trying to assess the situation.What is the best approach?

You arrive on the scene of a medical emergency.
A family member of the patient is frantic and yelling questions at you while you are trying to assess the situation.
What is the best approach?