S-130 First Aid 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A firefighter receives a chemical burn from fire retardant concentrate splashed on their skin. The immediate field treatment is:
- Neutralize with baking soda paste then cover
- Brush off dry chemical and flush with large amounts of water for 20 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply burn ointment and wrap tightly
- Cover with a dry sterile dressing without flushing
Correct answer: Brush off dry chemical and flush with large amounts of water for 20 minutes
Brush off any dry residue then flush chemical burns with copious water for at least 20 minutes to dilute and remove the agent.
Question 2: When assessing an unconscious patient using the ABCs of first aid, what does the 'C' stand for?
- Cooling
- Circulation (Correct answer)
- Consciousness
- Communication
Correct answer: Circulation
In the ABCs, 'C' stands for Circulation — checking for a pulse and controlling life-threatening bleeding.
Question 3: A firefighter has a suspected dislocated shoulder. You should:
- Attempt to relocate the shoulder by pulling on the arm
- Immobilize the shoulder in the position found and arrange for evacuation (Correct answer)
- Have the firefighter rotate the arm to assess range of motion
- Apply heat to the joint to relax the muscles before moving
Correct answer: Immobilize the shoulder in the position found and arrange for evacuation
Never attempt to relocate a dislocation in the field; immobilize it in the position found and arrange medical evaluation.
Question 4: Which of the following is the MOST effective way to prevent heat-related illness during wildland firefighting operations?
- Avoiding all physical exertion during daylight hours
- Drinking adequate fluids, taking scheduled rest breaks, and monitoring each other (Correct answer)
- Wearing minimal clothing to promote skin cooling
- Taking salt tablets every hour regardless of diet
Correct answer: Drinking adequate fluids, taking scheduled rest breaks, and monitoring each other
Hydration, scheduled rest, and buddy monitoring are the core preventive strategies for heat-related illness in wildfire operations.
Question 5: A firefighter steps on a nail through their boot and the nail remains embedded. The correct field treatment is to:
- Remove the nail, irrigate the wound, and apply pressure
- Stabilize the nail in place, control bleeding around it, and evacuate (Correct answer)
- Push the nail through the foot to remove it from the other side
- Leave the boot on and monitor for 24 hours before seeking care
Correct answer: Stabilize the nail in place, control bleeding around it, and evacuate
Embedded objects must be stabilized in place to prevent further injury; removal can worsen bleeding and damage surrounding tissue.
Question 6: Which symptom suggests a firefighter may be going into shock after an injury?
- Flushed, warm, dry skin with a strong bounding pulse
- Pale, cool, clammy skin with a rapid weak pulse (Correct answer)
- Slow deep breathing with high blood pressure
- Increased alertness and agitation only
Correct answer: Pale, cool, clammy skin with a rapid weak pulse
Pale, cool, clammy skin and a rapid weak pulse are classic early signs of hypovolemic shock.
Question 7: How should you treat a closed (non-open) abdominal injury where internal bleeding is suspected?
- Apply firm direct pressure over the abdomen with both hands
- Keep the patient still, knees slightly bent, and evacuate immediately (Correct answer)
- Have the patient drink fluids to compensate for internal blood loss
- Apply cold packs to reduce internal bleeding and monitor for 2 hours
Correct answer: Keep the patient still, knees slightly bent, and evacuate immediately
Keep the patient still with knees slightly flexed to relieve abdominal tension and arrange rapid evacuation for suspected internal abdominal injury.
S-130 First Aid 5
A firefighter receives a chemical burn from fire retardant concentrate splashed on their skin.
The immediate field treatment is: