Emergency Medical Response Flashcards

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) should be used when a victim:

Answer: Is in cardiac arrest with no pulse and not breathing normally

AEDs are designed for victims in cardiac arrest — unresponsive, not breathing normally, and with no pulse. They analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if indicated.

When treating a victim for shock, which body position is generally recommended if there are no spinal injuries?

Answer: Lying flat with legs elevated about 12 inches

For hypovolemic or circulatory shock without spinal injury, the shock position (supine with legs elevated approximately 12 inches) helps return blood to the vital organs.

A victim is found with a large piece of glass impaled in the abdomen. The officer should:

Answer: Stabilize the impaled object in place and do not remove it

Impaled objects should never be removed in the field — removal can cause massive hemorrhage. The object should be stabilized in place with bulky dressings and the victim transported immediately.

Which of the following is a sign of tension pneumothorax requiring immediate intervention?

Answer: Deviated trachea, absent breath sounds on one side, and severe respiratory distress

Tension pneumothorax presents with absent breath sounds on the affected side, tracheal deviation away from the affected side, and severe respiratory distress — a life-threatening emergency.

An officer responds to a report of a victim with a suspected broken femur (thigh bone). Which complication is the officer most concerned about?

Answer: Significant blood loss into the thigh

A femur fracture can result in 1–2 liters of blood loss into the thigh, which can cause hypovolemic shock and is the most immediate life threat.

Which of the following is the correct sequence for responding to a victim with a potential airway obstruction who is unconscious?

Answer: Open the airway, look in the mouth for objects, attempt rescue breaths

For an unconscious choking victim, open the airway, look in the mouth for visible objects (and remove only if visible), then attempt rescue breaths — alternating with compressions if needed.