S-130 First Aid 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A firefighter is experiencing severe muscle cramps, heavy sweating, and weakness after working in high heat. These symptoms are most consistent with:
- Heat stroke
- Heat exhaustion (Correct answer)
- Hypothermia
- Rhabdomyolysis only
Correct answer: Heat exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, and muscle cramps with intact mental status are classic signs of heat exhaustion.
Question 2: What is the correct method to control a nosebleed (epistaxis) in the field?
- Tilt the head back and pinch the bridge of the nose
- Lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10-15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Pack the nostril tightly with dry gauze and tape the nose
- Apply ice directly inside the nostril
Correct answer: Lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10-15 minutes
Leaning slightly forward and pinching the soft part of the nose for 10–15 minutes prevents blood from flowing into the airway.
Question 3: When a firefighter has a suspected broken leg and no commercial splint is available, the best improvised splint material would be:
- A water bottle tied loosely around the limb
- A rigid branch or tool handle padded and secured above and below the fracture (Correct answer)
- A wet bandage wrapped tightly around the knee
- Another firefighter's arm held under the leg while walking out
Correct answer: A rigid branch or tool handle padded and secured above and below the fracture
A padded rigid object secured above and below the fracture site immobilizes the bone effectively.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of placing an injured person in the recovery position?
- To reduce pain and improve comfort
- To keep the airway open and prevent aspiration if vomiting occurs (Correct answer)
- To slow blood flow to the extremities
- To reduce swelling in the head and neck
Correct answer: To keep the airway open and prevent aspiration if vomiting occurs
The recovery position keeps the airway open and allows fluids to drain out of the mouth, preventing aspiration.
Question 5: A firefighter is stung multiple times by bees and develops hives, swelling of the face, and difficulty breathing. The MOST important action is to:
- Apply antihistamine cream to the sting sites and monitor
- Administer epinephrine and arrange immediate evacuation (Correct answer)
- Remove stingers and have the person rest quietly
- Give the victim water and place in shade for 30 minutes
Correct answer: Administer epinephrine and arrange immediate evacuation
This presentation indicates anaphylaxis, requiring epinephrine and emergency evacuation without delay.
Question 6: At what depth should chest compressions be performed on an adult during CPR?
- At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) (Correct answer)
- At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
- Exactly 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
Correct answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Current AHA guidelines specify chest compressions should be at least 2 inches but not exceed 2.4 inches in adults.
Question 7: During rehab at a wildfire, a firefighter's core temperature is measured at 104°F (40°C) and they are confused and stumbling. The crew leader should:
- Offer the firefighter sports drinks and reassign to lighter duty
- Initiate rapid cooling, call for medical evacuation, and do not leave them alone (Correct answer)
- Have the firefighter rest in shade for 20 minutes then reassess
- Record the temperature and report it at the end of the operational period
Correct answer: Initiate rapid cooling, call for medical evacuation, and do not leave them alone
A core temperature of 104°F with altered mental status indicates heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate cooling and evacuation.
S-130 First Aid 4
A firefighter is experiencing severe muscle cramps, heavy sweating, and weakness after working in high heat.
These symptoms are most consistent with: