Scene Size-Up & Hazard Management Flashcards

Upon arriving at a scene, the EMT observes a patient lying on the ground and bystanders running away. The first priority is:

Answer: Ensure scene safety before approaching; identify what caused bystanders to flee

Scene safety always precedes patient contact. If bystanders are fleeing, there is likely an active hazard. The EMT must identify and address the hazard or stage at a safe distance until the scene is cleared.

At a motor vehicle crash, the EMT observes a downed power line touching one of the involved vehicles. The appropriate action is:

Answer: Stage at a safe distance, contact dispatch for utility company response, and do not allow anyone to approach the vehicle

Downed power lines represent an electrocution and arc flash hazard. The vehicle is electrified and anyone touching it or the ground near it can be electrocuted. Stage safely and await utility company response.

What does the 'mechanism of injury' (MOI) assessment tell the EMT at a trauma scene?

Answer: The forces involved in the incident, which predict the likelihood and pattern of injuries

MOI analysis helps the EMT predict injury patterns based on the forces involved. A significant MOI (high-speed MVC, fall from height) warrants a higher index of suspicion for hidden injuries even without obvious external findings.

At a multi-casualty incident (MCI), the START triage system categorizes patients into four priorities. A patient who is breathing spontaneously after airway repositioning is assigned which color?

Answer: Red (immediate)

In START triage, a patient who is not breathing but begins breathing after airway repositioning is tagged RED (immediate) — they require urgent intervention to maintain the airway and survive.

What is the primary purpose of body substance isolation (BSI) precautions in EMS?

Answer: To protect the EMT from exposure to potentially infectious materials in all patient contacts

BSI precautions protect the EMT from exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. They are applied to all patients regardless of known diagnosis, based on the principle that infection status cannot be reliably determined from appearance.

During a nighttime scene size-up at a reported 'person down,' the EMT notices a strong smell of natural gas. What should the EMT do?

Answer: Stage upwind and uphill from the structure, evacuate nearby residents, and call for hazmat response

Natural gas is highly flammable and explosive. The scene is unsafe. The EMT must stage at a safe distance, initiate evacuation of nearby buildings, and call for hazmat/fire department response. Never enter a gas-involved structure.