CPS CPS Firefighter Test Situational Judgment and Teamwork Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are on scene at a structure fire and your crew leader gives an order you believe is unsafe. What is the BEST immediate action?
- Refuse the order and walk away
- Complete the order without comment to avoid conflict
- Quickly voice your safety concern to the crew leader and await their decision (Correct answer)
- Ignore the order and act independently
Correct answer: Quickly voice your safety concern to the crew leader and await their decision
Firefighters must speak up about safety concerns immediately through the chain of command while still respecting the incident commander's authority.
Question 2: During overhaul, a newer team member is using incorrect technique when handling debris that could scatter hot embers. You should:
- Report the firefighter to the captain after the call
- Immediately and calmly correct the technique on the spot (Correct answer)
- Ignore it since overhaul is low-risk
- Wait until the next training session to address it
Correct answer: Immediately and calmly correct the technique on the spot
Correcting unsafe technique in real-time prevents injury and fire rekindling, and is a core teamwork responsibility.
Question 3: Your team is conducting a primary search in a smoke-filled building when you become separated from your partner. You should FIRST:
- Continue the search alone to save time
- Activate your PASS device and call out to your partner (Correct answer)
- Exit the building immediately and wait outside
- Radio dispatch and request a new partner
Correct answer: Activate your PASS device and call out to your partner
Activating your PASS device and calling out helps your partner locate you and alerts command to the separation.
Question 4: A senior firefighter on your crew consistently ignores standard operating procedures. The BEST course of action is to:
- Adopt the same behavior to fit in with the crew
- Document every deviation and submit a formal complaint immediately
- Speak privately with the firefighter first, then escalate to a supervisor if the behavior continues (Correct answer)
- Say nothing to avoid damaging the working relationship
Correct answer: Speak privately with the firefighter first, then escalate to a supervisor if the behavior continues
Addressing the issue directly and privately first is respectful and often resolves the problem before formal escalation is needed.
Question 5: While performing an emergency evacuation of a building, you notice a civilian who appears confused and is moving toward the fire. You should:
- Continue your evacuation route and trust others will redirect the civilian
- Physically guide the civilian away from the fire toward the exit (Correct answer)
- Shout instructions from a distance and keep moving
- Report the situation over the radio and wait for guidance
Correct answer: Physically guide the civilian away from the fire toward the exit
Direct physical intervention is necessary when a civilian is in immediate danger and moving toward the hazard.
Question 6: During a multi-company operation, you receive conflicting orders from two different officers. You should:
- Follow the order from the officer with the most seniority
- Choose whichever order seems safer and act on it alone
- Immediately notify both officers of the conflict and request clarification from the incident commander (Correct answer)
- Carry out both orders simultaneously
Correct answer: Immediately notify both officers of the conflict and request clarification from the incident commander
Conflicting orders must be resolved through the incident command structure to prevent confusion and maintain coordinated operations.
CPS CPS Firefighter Test Situational Judgment and Teamwork Questions and Answers 2
You are on scene at a structure fire and your crew leader gives an order you believe is unsafe.
What is the BEST immediate action?