Patient Assessment
What does OPQRST help an EMT assess?
A patient's pain or chief complaint
What does SpO₂ measure?
The percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen
What device delivers oxygen using a mask attached to a bag that can be squeezed to assist a patient's breathing?
Bag-valve mask (BVM)
What medication is commonly used to reverse an opioid overdose?
Naloxone (Narcan)
You arrive at a scene and see a patient sitting on the ground. What should you consider before approaching?
Scene safety
What does SAMPLE stand for?
Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading up
What is the normal resting respiratory rate for an adult?
Approximately 12–20 breaths per minute
What piece of equipment is used to suction vomit, blood, or other secretions out of a patient's airway?
Suction unit
What medication is used to treat a severe allergic reaction?
Epinephrine
Your patient is pale, sweaty, and says they feel dizzy. What should you do?
Assess the patient, obtain vital signs, and look for signs of an emergency
What should you assess first when arriving at a scene?
Scene safety
What oxygen delivery device uses two small prongs placed in the nose?
Nasal cannula
You need to move a patient with a suspected hip injury from a confined space. What equipment might be used to help extricate the patient, depending on the situation and protocol?
A scoop
What medication is commonly used to relieve bronchospasm and wheezing?
Albuterol
Your partner is talking to the patient, and you notice the patient's breathing is getting worse. What should you do?
Alert your partner immediately and address the patient's worsening condition
A patient says their pain is 8/10, but they are smiling and talking normally. Should you assume their pain is mild? Why or why not?
No. A patient's reported pain should be taken seriously; appearance alone does not reliably determine pain severity
A patient is breathing only 6 times per minute and becoming confused. What is your biggest concern?
Inadequate ventilation and possible respiratory failure
You need to check a patient's blood glucose because you suspect their symptoms may be caused by a blood sugar problem. What piece of equipment do you use, and what sample do you need?
A glucometer and a blood sample, usually obtained from a finger-stick according to training and protocol.
A patient with a suspected opioid overdose receives naloxone, but their breathing remains inadequate. What should you prioritize?
Airway management and appropriate ventilatory support; follow protocol and do not wait for naloxone to work
A confused patient with diabetes is sweating heavily. What potentially serious condition should you consider?
Hypoglycemia or another blood glucose problem; assess the patient and check blood glucose if permitted by protocol
You find a patient who is unresponsive and only gasping occasionally. What should you do?
Recognize that gasping is not normal breathing, activate the emergency response, assess for a pulse if trained to do so, and begin CPR and use an AED as indicated by protocol
A patient has an SpO₂ of 98%, but their breathing is shallow and they are becoming less responsive. How can both findings occur?
SpO₂ measures oxygen saturation, not ventilation or carbon dioxide removal. The patient may be ventilating inadequately despite a normal reading
You arrive at a patient in cardiac arrest. Your partner begins CPR while you prepare the equipment used to analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock if indicated. What is this device, and what must everyone do before a shock is delivered?
An AED (automated external defibrillator) or monitor/defibrillator. Everyone must be clear of the patient before rhythm analysis or shock delivery, following the device's prompts and protocol. Suction, Lucas, Jump Bag, O2 Bag,
Before giving aspirin for suspected cardiac chest pain, name three important things you should check.
Allergy history, contraindications such as active bleeding, and whether it is indicated under protocol; also verify dose
During transport, a patient who was previously alert becomes increasingly confused. What should your crew do?
Reassess airway, breathing, circulation, vital signs, and mental status; provide appropriate care and escalate as indicated