OEC Technology & Digital Tools 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of radio communication system is standard among ski patrols for on-mountain coordination during a rescue?
- CB (Citizens Band) radio
- FRS (Family Radio Service) walkie-talkies
- VHF land mobile radio (LMR) (Correct answer)
- Ham (amateur) radio
Correct answer: VHF land mobile radio (LMR)
VHF land mobile radio systems are the industry standard for ski patrol communications because they offer reliable range, interoperability, and dedicated channels.
Question 2: An automated external defibrillator (AED) gives a 'no shock advised' message. What does this indicate about the cardiac rhythm?
- The patient is in ventricular fibrillation
- The rhythm is not shockable (e.g., asystole or PEA) (Correct answer)
- The AED battery is too low to deliver a shock
- The pads are improperly placed
Correct answer: The rhythm is not shockable (e.g., asystole or PEA)
A 'no shock advised' message means the AED's algorithm detected a non-shockable rhythm such as asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA).
Question 3: When relying on a smartphone for navigation in cold outdoor environments, what is the most common technology-related failure OEC providers should anticipate?
- Screen cracking from UV radiation
- Battery failure due to cold temperatures (Correct answer)
- GPS signal jamming by tree canopy
- Magnetic compass interference from ski equipment
Correct answer: Battery failure due to cold temperatures
Lithium-ion batteries lose significant capacity in cold temperatures, making sudden smartphone shutdown the most frequent cold-weather technology failure.
Question 4: Which digital tool provides OEC providers the most actionable avalanche hazard information before entering backcountry terrain?
- NOAA Weather Radio app
- Regional avalanche center forecast (e.g., avalanche.org) (Correct answer)
- InReach tracking map
- Mountain weather station data only
Correct answer: Regional avalanche center forecast (e.g., avalanche.org)
Regional avalanche center forecasts provide danger ratings, avalanche problem types, and travel advice specifically for backcountry decision-making.
Question 5: An OEC technician uses a capnography device in the field. A rising end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) reading after BVM ventilation most likely indicates:
- The patient is in cardiac arrest
- Ventilation rate is too fast (hyperventilation)
- Airway obstruction is increasing
- Return of effective circulation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Return of effective circulation
A rising EtCO2 during resuscitation is one of the earliest indicators of ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation), reflecting increased pulmonary perfusion.
Question 6: Dispatch receives a 911 call from a victim using an Apple Emergency SOS via satellite feature. What limitation must rescuers be aware of?
- It only works on Wi-Fi
- Location accuracy may be lower than standard GPS and messaging is text-only (Correct answer)
- It requires a subscription to a satellite service
- It can only contact Apple Support, not 911
Correct answer: Location accuracy may be lower than standard GPS and messaging is text-only
Apple Emergency SOS via satellite uses low earth orbit satellites with text-relay to 911; location accuracy is lower than standard GPS and real-time voice calls are not supported.
Question 7: An OEC provider uses a digital thermometer with a rectal probe for accurate core temperature measurement. Which temperature reading indicates severe hypothermia requiring aggressive rewarming?
- Below 36°C (96.8°F)
- Below 32°C (89.6°F)
- Below 28°C (82.4°F) (Correct answer)
- Below 24°C (75.2°F)
Correct answer: Below 28°C (82.4°F)
Severe hypothermia is defined as a core temperature below 28°C (82.4°F), at which point cardiac dysrhythmias and loss of consciousness are likely.
OEC Technology & Digital Tools 3
Which type of radio communication system is standard among ski patrols for on-mountain coordination during a rescue?