SOCE Emergency Medical Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing CPR on an adult victim, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
- 15 compressions to 2 breaths
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 5 compressions to 1 breath
- 10 compressions to 1 breath
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
Current American Heart Association guidelines recommend 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths for a single adult rescuer performing CPR.
The 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR was established by the AHA in 2005 and remains the standard for single rescuers. Compressions should be performed at a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) and at a rate of 100–120 per minute. Full chest recoil must be allowed between compressions. The ratio changes to 15:2 when two trained rescuers are present and managing pediatric (child) victims. Continuous compressions without ventilation are recommended if the rescuer is unwilling or unable to provide rescue breaths.
Question 2: An officer arrives first on scene and finds an unconscious adult male. After confirming unresponsiveness and calling for EMS, the officer notices the victim is not breathing normally. What should the officer do next?
- Wait for EMS to arrive before intervening
- Begin rescue breathing only
- Begin CPR starting with 30 chest compressions (Correct answer)
- Administer epinephrine from the patrol kit
Correct answer: Begin CPR starting with 30 chest compressions
After confirming unresponsiveness and activating EMS, the officer should immediately begin CPR, starting with 30 chest compressions before providing ventilations.
Updated AHA and ILCOR guidelines shifted the CPR sequence from A-B-C (Airway-Breathing-Compressions) to C-A-B (Compressions-Airway-Breathing) to minimize delays to chest compressions, which are the most critical intervention. Officers should begin compressions immediately, then open the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift, and provide rescue breaths. Early CPR significantly improves survival rates from cardiac arrest. Officers with access to an AED should attach it as soon as possible while continuing CPR.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct method to control severe arterial bleeding from an extremity when direct pressure has failed?
- Apply a tourniquet 2–3 inches above the wound (Correct answer)
- Elevate the limb and apply ice
- Apply pressure to a pressure point only
- Immobilize the extremity with a splint
Correct answer: Apply a tourniquet 2–3 inches above the wound
When direct pressure fails to control life-threatening extremity bleeding, a tourniquet should be applied 2–3 inches above the wound on the limb.
Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) and modern hemorrhage control protocols prioritize tourniquet application for life-threatening extremity bleeding that direct pressure cannot control. The tourniquet should be placed 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) proximal (above) to the wound, tightened until bleeding stops, and the time of application documented on the patient and on the device. Tourniquets should not be removed in the field. Prior concerns about limb loss from tourniquet use have been reassessed — when properly applied, tourniquets save lives with minimal risk of permanent injury.
Question 4: When a person is experiencing a suspected opioid overdose, officers trained in naloxone (Narcan) administration should:
- Wait for paramedics before administering naloxone
- Administer naloxone intranasally and continue to monitor the patient (Correct answer)
- Administer two doses of naloxone simultaneously for faster effect
- Administer naloxone only after confirming overdose with a blood test
Correct answer: Administer naloxone intranasally and continue to monitor the patient
Officers trained and equipped with naloxone should administer it intranasally and monitor the patient, as naloxone reverses opioid overdose and can be life-saving.
Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. Most law enforcement agencies now carry intranasal naloxone kits. Officers should administer one dose intranasally (one spray per nostril for the 4mg/0.1mL formulation or per device instructions), place the patient in the recovery position if breathing resumes, and continue monitoring. Naloxone has a shorter duration than most opioids, so the patient may re-enter overdose before EMS arrives — a second dose may be needed after 2–3 minutes if no response. Administration without confirming via blood test is appropriate given time-sensitivity.
Question 5: An officer encounters a victim with a suspected spinal injury. The victim is conscious and complaining of neck pain after a vehicle collision. The officer should:
- Have the victim walk to the patrol vehicle to keep them warm
- Manually stabilize the head and neck in a neutral position until EMS arrives (Correct answer)
- Place the victim in the recovery position immediately
- Remove the victim's helmet to assess airway
Correct answer: Manually stabilize the head and neck in a neutral position until EMS arrives
For suspected spinal injury, manual inline stabilization of the head and neck in a neutral position is the appropriate intervention to prevent further cord damage until EMS arrives.
In suspected cervical spine injuries, unnecessary movement can convert a partial cord injury into a complete one. The priority is manual inline stabilization — holding the head still in a neutral, in-line position (not hyperextended or rotated) until EMS arrives with proper immobilization equipment (cervical collar, backboard or vacuum mattress). Moving the patient to a patrol car is contraindicated. The recovery position is used for unconscious patients who are breathing without suspected spinal injury. Helmet removal by untrained personnel risks worsening spinal injuries.
Question 6: During a response to a suspected diabetic emergency, a conscious victim is confused and sweating. Which action should the officer take first?
- Administer insulin from the victim's bag
- Give the victim sugary food or drink if they can swallow safely (Correct answer)
- Restrain the victim for safety
- Wait for blood glucose readings before acting
Correct answer: Give the victim sugary food or drink if they can swallow safely
A conscious, confused, sweating diabetic patient is showing signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If able to swallow safely, administering sugar can rapidly reverse the condition.
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can rapidly progress to unconsciousness and seizures if untreated. Classic signs include confusion, diaphoresis (sweating), shakiness, pallor, and altered mental status. If the patient is conscious and can safely swallow (no gag reflex issues), the officer should administer 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates — orange juice, regular soda, glucose tablets, or candy. Insulin should never be administered by non-medical personnel and is contraindicated in hypoglycemia. Blood glucose testing is ideal but should not delay treatment when signs are clear.
SOCE Emergency Medical Response 2
When performing CPR on an adult victim, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?