PHTLS Scene Assessment and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a multi-vehicle collision at night, which action best protects EMS providers while maintaining patient access?
- Park directly behind the lead vehicle with lights off
- Position the ambulance at an angle upstream with warning lights activated (Correct answer)
- Stage the ambulance at least one mile from the scene
- Approach on foot first, leaving the ambulance running on the highway
Correct answer: Position the ambulance at an angle upstream with warning lights activated
Positioning the ambulance at an angle upstream (fend-off position) with lights on protects providers from traffic while maintaining scene access.
Question 2: A provider arrives at a shooting scene where the suspect is reportedly still in the area. What is the correct action?
- Enter with a partner to provide care rapidly
- Stage at a safe location and await law enforcement clearance (Correct answer)
- Approach the patient quickly and drag them to safety
- Call medical direction for guidance before any action
Correct answer: Stage at a safe location and await law enforcement clearance
EMS must stage at a safe distance until law enforcement secures the scene before entering any active threat environment.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'scene size-up' in PHTLS?
- Estimating the number of patients and calling for backup only
- A continuous process of evaluating hazards, MOI, patient count, and resources throughout the response (Correct answer)
- A one-time assessment performed on arrival before touching the patient
- Reviewing the dispatch information while en route to the scene
Correct answer: A continuous process of evaluating hazards, MOI, patient count, and resources throughout the response
Scene size-up is a dynamic, ongoing process that begins with dispatch and continues throughout the entire response.
Question 4: At a confined-space rescue with a trapped worker, which hazard takes highest priority before entry?
- Determining the patient's chief complaint
- Verifying atmospheric oxygen levels and toxic gas concentrations (Correct answer)
- Estimating extrication time
- Checking the patient's insurance information
Correct answer: Verifying atmospheric oxygen levels and toxic gas concentrations
Atmospheric testing for oxygen deficiency and toxic gases is mandatory before entering any confined space to prevent rescuer incapacitation.
Question 5: A provider is caring for a patient when bystanders become increasingly agitated and aggressive. What is the most appropriate response?
- Continue patient care and ignore the bystanders
- Ask bystanders to assist with lifting the stretcher
- Reassess scene safety and prepare to relocate care if needed (Correct answer)
- Call for law enforcement only after violence occurs
Correct answer: Reassess scene safety and prepare to relocate care if needed
Scene safety must be continuously reassessed; a deteriorating bystander situation may require relocating patient care operations.
Question 6: When approaching the scene of a structure fire with reported victims, which is the EMS provider's primary concern?
- Locating the incident commander and operating within the ICS (Correct answer)
- Determining the mechanism of injury for documentation
- Beginning triage immediately upon arrival
- Staging near the structure for rapid patient extraction
Correct answer: Locating the incident commander and operating within the ICS
EMS providers must integrate into the Incident Command System and receive assignments from the incident commander at structure fire scenes.
Question 7: Which personal protective equipment is minimally required for all trauma patients?
- Full hazmat suit and SCBA
- Gloves and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Gloves only when bleeding is visible
- N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and face shield for all patients
Correct answer: Gloves and eye protection
Standard precautions for trauma require gloves and eye protection at minimum due to risk of blood and body fluid exposure.
PHTLS Scene Assessment and Safety 2
During a multi-vehicle collision at night, which action best protects EMS providers while maintaining patient access?