Environmental Emergencies & Rescue Techniques Flashcards

A cold-water drowning victim is pulseless and apneic after 20 minutes of submersion. The OEC technician should:

Answer: Begin CPR and treat for hypothermia, transporting immediately

Cold-water drowning victims can survive prolonged submersion due to the diving reflex and hypothermia's protective effect; resuscitation should begin and continue during transport.

Which of the following is the hallmark early sign of heat stroke, distinguishing it from heat exhaustion?

Answer: Altered mental status

Altered mental status (confusion, disorientation, or unconsciousness) is the defining feature of heat stroke and indicates CNS dysfunction.

When packaging a patient for a toboggan evacuation on a ski slope, the patient's feet should be positioned:

Answer: Downhill so the patroller can monitor the airway

Feet-downhill positioning allows the patroller pushing the toboggan to monitor the patient's face and airway during descent.

A climber descends rapidly from 14,000 feet to base camp complaining of severe headache and ataxia. Fundoscopic exam would most likely reveal:

Answer: Papilledema from increased intracranial pressure

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) causes increased intracranial pressure, which may produce papilledema on fundoscopic examination.

During rope rescue operations, the load-to-haul ratio for a 3:1 mechanical advantage system theoretically reduces the input force required by:

Answer: One-third

A 3:1 mechanical advantage system means only one-third of the load weight is needed as input force, ignoring friction losses.

A patient in a wilderness setting has been bitten by a pit viper. Which field intervention is CONTRAINDICATED?

Answer: Applying a tourniquet proximal to the bite

Tourniquets are contraindicated for pit viper envenomation because they concentrate venom, cause ischemia, and worsen tissue damage.

Which sign differentiates immersion foot (trench foot) from frostbite?

Answer: Immersion foot results from prolonged wet-cold exposure above freezing temperatures

Trench foot develops from prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions above 0°C (32°F), unlike frostbite which requires subfreezing temperatures.