PCP EMS Operations and Scene Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which principle of the Incident Command System (ICS) limits the number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage?
- Unity of command
- Span of control (Correct answer)
- Chain of command
- Modular organization
Correct answer: Span of control
Span of control defines the recommended ratio of 3–7 subordinates per supervisor to maintain effective oversight.
Question 2: When arriving at a motor vehicle collision, what is the FIRST priority for EMS personnel?
- Triage all patients
- Establish an IV line on the most critical patient
- Ensure scene safety (Correct answer)
- Request additional resources
Correct answer: Ensure scene safety
Scene safety must be confirmed before patient contact to prevent responders from becoming additional casualties.
Question 3: In a mass casualty incident using START triage, a patient who is breathing at 24 breaths per minute with a radial pulse and follows commands is tagged:
- Red (immediate)
- Yellow (delayed) (Correct answer)
- Green (minor)
- Black (expectant)
Correct answer: Yellow (delayed)
In START triage, a patient who breathes, has a radial pulse, and can follow commands but has a respiratory rate >20 is classified Yellow (delayed).
Question 4: What is the recommended safe distance from a vehicle that may have a hybrid or electric battery fire during scene size-up?
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet (Correct answer)
- 150 feet
Correct answer: 100 feet
A minimum of 100 feet is recommended from hybrid/electric vehicle fires due to risk of battery reignition and toxic off-gassing.
Question 5: Which document outlines the responsibilities and authority of emergency responders during a declared disaster in the United States?
- National EMS Scope of Practice Model
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) (Correct answer)
- Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Correct answer: National Incident Management System (NIMS)
NIMS provides a consistent nationwide framework for emergency management, including roles and responsibilities during disasters.
Question 6: When using the power lift technique to move a stretcher, paramedics should:
- Bend at the waist with knees straight
- Keep the back straight and lift with the legs (Correct answer)
- Twist the torso to redirect the load
- Let the stronger partner do most of the lifting
Correct answer: Keep the back straight and lift with the legs
The power lift requires a straight back and lifting with the legs to protect the spine and reduce injury risk.
Question 7: Which zone in a hazardous materials incident is where patient decontamination occurs?
- Hot zone (exclusion zone)
- Warm zone (contamination reduction zone) (Correct answer)
- Cold zone (support zone)
- Command zone
Correct answer: Warm zone (contamination reduction zone)
Decontamination takes place in the warm zone, which is the transition area between the contaminated hot zone and the clean cold zone.
PCP EMS Operations and Scene Management 1
Which principle of the Incident Command System (ICS) limits the number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage?