Scene Size-Up & Safety
This is the first thing you should determine when arriving at an emergency scene.
Scene Safety
This should be started promptly when an adult is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no definite pulse within 10 seconds if you are trained to check it.
CPR
This is the first-line method for controlling most external bleeding.
Direct pressure
This is the first assessment priority after confirming scene safety.
Initial assessment/primary assessment
Sudden facial droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech are warning signs of this emergency.
Stroke
This piece of equipment protects you from blood and other potentially infectious materials.
PPE
This is the recommended adult CPR compression rate per minute.
100–120 compressions per minute
A patient has severe bleeding from an arm wound that is not controlled by direct pressure. What device may be indicated?
Tourniquet
This method can be used to check a patient's responsiveness.
Speak loudly and tap the shoulders, as appropriate
You find a diabetic patient confused and sweaty. What potentially reversible problem should you consider?
Hypoglycemia
You arrive at a vehicle crash with downed power lines nearby. What should you do?
Stay clear, prevent others from entering, and notify the appropriate utility/emergency resources
This device analyzes the heart rhythm and may advise a shock.
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
Pale, cool, clammy skin and a rapid pulse after an injury may indicate this life-threatening condition.
Shock
An unresponsive patient who is not breathing normally needs this immediate intervention.
Activate emergency response and begin CPR if cardiac arrest is identified
What should you never put in the mouth of a person having a seizure?
Anything
You arrive at a farm accident involving an overturned tractor. What must you consider before approaching?
Scene hazards, including machinery, unstable equipment, and other environmental dangers
Before delivering an AED shock, you must make sure of this.
Nobody is touching the patient and it is safe to shock
A metal object is embedded in a patient's leg. What should you do?
Stabilize the object in place and control bleeding around it
You find a patient who is unresponsive but breathing normally. What should you do next?
Maintain the airway, monitor breathing, and position appropriately; use a recovery position when indicated and no contraindication exists
A patient develops hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing after a bee sting. What severe allergic emergency should you suspect?
Anaphylaxis
You arrive at a scene where a patient is violent and threatening responders. What is your priority?
Responder safety and requesting law enforcement if needed
Two rescuers are performing CPR on an adult. About how often should they switch compressors to reduce fatigue?
Approximately every 2 minutes, or sooner if fatigued.
A patient has a life-threatening wound to the chest. What should you do while arranging rapid EMS care?
Support breathing, manage the wound according to training/protocol, monitor closely, and expedite transport.
A patient is speaking only one or two words at a time and struggling to breathe. What does this tell you about the patient's condition?
Severe respiratory distress requiring immediate attention.
Why is it important to note the time a stroke patient's symptoms began or when they were last known well?
It helps the receiving medical team determine time-sensitive treatment options