Mixed Deck — All OFA Topics Flashcards

When approaching an industrial accident scene with chemical spills, what is your FIRST priority?

Answer: Ensure the scene is safe for rescuers

Rescuer safety is always the first priority; entering an unsafe chemical scene can create additional casualties.

You are the first on scene after an explosion. Multiple workers are injured and one section of the building is unstable. What should guide your immediate triage decision?

Answer: Prioritize patient care without entering the unstable structure

Triage and care should begin on accessible patients in safe areas; entering an unstable structure without proper training risks additional casualties.

When should you start CPR?

Answer: When they are not breathing and unresponsive

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is initiated when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping). These signs indicate a cardiac arrest, where the heart has stopped pumping blood effectively, and immediate CPR is vital to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for an OFA first aider responding to a bleeding emergency should at minimum include:

Answer: Disposable gloves and eye protection

Disposable gloves and eye protection are the minimum standard PPE to protect against bloodborne pathogen exposure during bleeding emergencies.

What is the purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Answer: To protect the responder from infections

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and eye protection creates a barrier between the responder and potential pathogens. This prevents the transmission of infectious diseases from the patient to the responder, ensuring the responder's health and ability to continue providing care safely.

Which of the following signs indicates that CPR is being performed effectively?

Answer: A palpable pulse can be felt in the carotid artery during compressions

A palpable carotid or femoral pulse during compressions indicates that blood is being circulated effectively by the rescuer.

What indicates that a splint is too tight after application?

Answer: Fingers or toes become pale, cold, or numb distal to the splint

Pallor, coldness, or numbness distal to a splint indicates compromised circulation and requires immediate loosening.

A coworker collapses and is unresponsive. You are alone and have called for help. You should begin CPR in which order?

Answer: Compressions, Airway, Breathing (CAB)

Current guidelines prioritize Compressions-Airway-Breathing (CAB) to deliver blood flow to vital organs as quickly as possible.

A worker is found in a confined space, unresponsive. The FIRST action the OFA attendant should take is to:

Answer: Call for help and do NOT enter until the space is confirmed safe

Confined space rescues require atmospheric testing and standby rescue procedures; entering without confirmation exposes rescuers to the same hazard that incapacitated the worker.

A worker has a suspected pelvic fracture after being struck by a forklift. What is the priority concern?

Answer: Risk of life-threatening internal hemorrhage

Pelvic fractures carry a high risk of massive internal bleeding and are considered a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent EMS transport.

During a scene assessment at a warehouse, you note a worker slumped over machinery with his arm still engaged. What must occur BEFORE you touch the patient?

Answer: De-energize and lock out the machinery

Machinery must be de-energized using lockout/tagout procedures before a responder approaches, preventing additional injury to the patient or responder.

A worker is experiencing a suspected heart attack. Which symptom is considered an ATYPICAL presentation, especially common in female workers?

Answer: Sudden nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath without chest pain

Women often experience heart attacks with atypical symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath rather than classic chest pain.

What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Occupational First Aid Certification field?

Answer: Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs

Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs are essential safety documentation for demonstrating compliance.

Which temperature reading defines heat stroke in occupational first aid guidelines?

Answer: Core temperature at or above 104°F (40°C) with altered mental status

A core body temperature at or above 104°F (40°C) combined with altered mental status defines heat stroke, distinguishing it from heat exhaustion.

When conducting a risk assessment for OFA operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority?

Answer: Probability and severity of potential harm

The probability and severity of potential harm are the primary factors in risk assessment.

When using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) for rescue breathing, what indicates an appropriate tidal volume has been delivered?

Answer: Visible, gentle chest rise

Delivering just enough volume to produce visible chest rise avoids over-inflation, which can force air into the stomach and cause regurgitation.

When using an AED, the voice prompt says 'No shock advised.' What does this mean?

Answer: The patient's rhythm is not shockable; resume CPR immediately

A 'no shock advised' prompt means the AED detected a non-shockable rhythm such as asystole or PEA; CPR should resume immediately.

How deep should compressions be for an adult?

Answer: At least 2 inches

For adult CPR, chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) deep. This depth is necessary to effectively compress the heart and circulate blood, ensuring that vital organs receive adequate oxygen during cardiac arrest.

What is the hallmark sign of heat stroke that distinguishes it from heat exhaustion?

Answer: Altered mental status (confusion, disorientation) and hot skin

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency characterized by a high body temperature and altered mental status, requiring immediate aggressive cooling.

A pressure bandage is used after applying a dressing to a wound. What is the primary function of the pressure bandage?

Answer: To hold the dressing securely in place and maintain continuous pressure to control bleeding

A pressure bandage secures the dressing and maintains sustained pressure on the wound to promote clotting and control hemorrhage.