Environmental Emergencies & Rescue Techniques Flashcards

A skier is found unresponsive in a snow pit with a core temperature of 28°C (82°F). Which rewarming method is most appropriate in the field?

Answer: Active external rewarming with hot packs to axillae and groin

For severe hypothermia, apply chemical heat packs to high-heat-transfer areas (axillae, groin, neck) while preventing afterdrop and handling the patient gently.

Which lightning strike pattern occurs when current travels along the ground and enters a victim through one foot and exits the other?

Answer: Ground current

Ground current (step potential) is the most common cause of lightning injury and affects multiple victims standing near a strike point.

A hiker presents with red, painful blisters on the dorsum of the foot after a long descent in tight boots. This presentation is consistent with:

Answer: Superficial frostbite

Superficial frostbite causes red, painful skin with blister formation upon rewarming, typically affecting exposed or constricted extremities.

During a river rescue, a rescuer enters the water. Which self-rescue position should be assumed when swimming in fast-moving water?

Answer: On the back, feet downstream, toes up

The defensive swimming position (on back, feet downstream, toes up) allows the swimmer to fend off rocks and stay afloat while moving toward shore.

Avalanche victims buried for more than 35 minutes without an air pocket have significantly reduced survival due primarily to:

Answer: Asphyxiation from CO2 buildup and oxygen depletion

The primary cause of death in buried avalanche victims is asphyxiation; CO2 rebreathing and hypoxia occur rapidly without an air pocket.

A patient stung multiple times by bees develops urticaria, wheezing, and hypotension. The FIRST intervention is:

Answer: Administer epinephrine 1:1000 IM to the lateral thigh

Anaphylaxis with systemic involvement requires immediate IM epinephrine to the lateral thigh as the first-line treatment.

In a high-angle rescue, a patient is packaged in a litter. The litter should be oriented on ascent with the patient's head:

Answer: Uphill to reduce intracranial pressure

Head-uphill orientation during litter ascent reduces intracranial pressure and is more comfortable; for descent, head-downhill is preferred.