OFA OFA Environmental & Toxicological Emergencies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A worker splashes a corrosive chemical in their eyes. The OFA responder's first priority is to:
- Neutralize the chemical with the opposite pH substance
- Flush the eyes with large amounts of clean water for at least 15–20 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply an eye patch and wait for medical help
- Rub the eyes to dislodge the chemical quickly
Correct answer: Flush the eyes with large amounts of clean water for at least 15–20 minutes
Immediate and prolonged eye irrigation with water for at least 15–20 minutes is the standard first aid for chemical eye exposure.
Question 2: When managing a worker exposed to a chemical skin splash, what is the standard decontamination first step?
- Apply a neutralizing chemical wash
- Remove contaminated clothing and flush the affected skin with large amounts of water (Correct answer)
- Cover the area with a sterile bandage
- Apply burn cream before rinsing
Correct answer: Remove contaminated clothing and flush the affected skin with large amounts of water
Removing contaminated clothing and flushing the skin with copious water dilutes and removes the chemical to minimize tissue damage.
Question 3: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is dangerous in workplace settings primarily because:
- It has a strong smell that is difficult to work through
- It is odorless and colorless, making it undetectable without monitors (Correct answer)
- It reacts violently with water
- It causes burns on the skin
Correct answer: It is odorless and colorless, making it undetectable without monitors
Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so workers can be exposed to dangerous concentrations without any sensory warning.
Question 4: The first aid treatment for CO poisoning in a conscious worker is:
- Place in recovery position and wait for natural recovery
- Remove from the source immediately and provide fresh air or high-flow oxygen if available (Correct answer)
- Administer antihistamines
- Keep the worker working to maintain circulation
Correct answer: Remove from the source immediately and provide fresh air or high-flow oxygen if available
Removing the worker from the CO source and providing fresh air or supplemental oxygen displaces CO from hemoglobin and improves oxygenation.
Question 5: A worker is stung by a bee and begins developing hives, throat tightness, and difficulty breathing. This presentation suggests:
- A normal local reaction to the sting
- Anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine (EpiPen) and emergency medical services (Correct answer)
- A delayed allergic reaction that will resolve on its own
- Heat rash aggravated by the sting
Correct answer: Anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine (EpiPen) and emergency medical services
Hives, throat tightness, and breathing difficulty after a sting indicate anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening and requires immediate epinephrine and EMS.
Question 6: When using an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) for anaphylaxis, where is it administered?
- Into a vein in the forearm
- Into the outer mid-thigh (Correct answer)
- Into the shoulder muscle
- Under the tongue
Correct answer: Into the outer mid-thigh
The EpiPen is designed for intramuscular injection into the outer mid-thigh, which provides the fastest absorption in an anaphylactic emergency.
OFA OFA Environmental & Toxicological Emergencies 2
A worker splashes a corrosive chemical in their eyes.
The OFA responder's first priority is to: