OEC Environmental Emergencies & Rescue Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- Active external rewarming with hot packs to axillae and groin (Correct answer)
- Vigorous full-body massage to stimulate circulation
- Immersion in a 40°C (104°F) hot tub immediately
- Allow passive rewarming at room temperature only
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which lightning strike pattern occurs when current travels along the ground and enters a victim through one foot and exits the other?
- Direct strike
- Side flash
- Ground current (Correct answer)
- Contact strike
Correct answer: Ground current
Ground current (step potential) is the most common cause of lightning injury and affects multiple victims standing near a strike point.
Question 3: 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:
- Trench foot
- Frostnip
- Superficial frostbite (Correct answer)
- Contact dermatitis
Correct answer: Superficial frostbite
Superficial frostbite causes red, painful skin with blister formation upon rewarming, typically affecting exposed or constricted extremities.
Question 4: During a river rescue, a rescuer enters the water. Which self-rescue position should be assumed when swimming in fast-moving water?
- Face down with arms extended forward
- On the back, feet downstream, toes up (Correct answer)
- On the back, head downstream, arms sculling
- Upright treading water
Correct 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.
Question 5: Avalanche victims buried for more than 35 minutes without an air pocket have significantly reduced survival due primarily to:
- Hypothermia alone
- Asphyxiation from CO2 buildup and oxygen depletion (Correct answer)
- Traumatic injuries from the slide
- Dehydration from exertion
Correct 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.
Question 6: A patient stung multiple times by bees develops urticaria, wheezing, and hypotension. The FIRST intervention is:
- Administer oral diphenhydramine
- Apply ice to all sting sites
- Administer epinephrine 1:1000 IM to the lateral thigh (Correct answer)
- Establish IV access and give normal saline
Correct 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.
Question 7: In a high-angle rescue, a patient is packaged in a litter. The litter should be oriented on ascent with the patient's head:
- Uphill to reduce intracranial pressure (Correct answer)
- Downhill to maintain venous return from the legs
- Perpendicular to the slope for balance
- Always level regardless of terrain angle
Correct 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.
OEC Environmental Emergencies & Rescue Techniques 2
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?