FDLE First Aid and Emergency Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An officer arrives at a scene where a person has been stabbed and has a sucking chest wound. What is the immediate priority treatment?
- Apply direct pressure with both hands directly over the wound
- Seal the wound with an occlusive dressing, leaving one side vented if trained to do so (Correct answer)
- Position the patient in the recovery position on their uninjured side
- Apply a tourniquet above the wound site
Correct answer: Seal the wound with an occlusive dressing, leaving one side vented if trained to do so
A sucking chest wound (open pneumothorax) requires an occlusive dressing to seal the wound and prevent air from entering the chest cavity, which causes lung collapse.
A sucking chest wound is an open pneumothorax — an opening in the chest wall that allows air to enter the pleural space, potentially causing lung collapse. Immediate treatment: seal the wound with a commercial vented chest seal (preferred) or improvised occlusive dressing taped on three sides — the vented/three-sided seal allows air to escape but not enter. If the patient deteriorates after sealing (tension pneumothorax developing), burp the seal to release trapped air. Officers trained in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) learn these as critical life-saving interventions.
Question 2: What is the correct depth of chest compressions for adult CPR according to current American Heart Association guidelines?
- 1 to 1.5 inches
- At least 2 inches but not more than 2.4 inches (Correct answer)
- 3 to 4 inches
- As deep as possible without rib fractures
Correct answer: At least 2 inches but not more than 2.4 inches
Current AHA guidelines specify adult CPR chest compressions should be at least 2 inches deep but not exceed 2.4 inches — sufficient depth to circulate blood without causing excessive injury.
The 2020 AHA CPR guidelines specify: Adult chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep but avoid exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm). Research showed excessive depth can cause internal injuries without improving outcomes. Additional parameters: compression rate of 100–120 per minute, allow full chest recoil, minimize interruptions, and compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2. Florida CJSTC requires officers to maintain current CPR/AED certification.
Question 3: Which sign is most characteristic of a diabetic emergency involving hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?
- Slow onset, fruity breath, and extreme thirst
- Rapid onset, sweating, pale skin, and confused or combative behavior (Correct answer)
- Gradual onset, frequent urination, and dry skin
- High fever with rigid muscles and light sensitivity
Correct answer: Rapid onset, sweating, pale skin, and confused or combative behavior
Hypoglycemia presents with rapid onset, sweating, pale clammy skin, and altered mental status (confusion, aggression) because the brain is deprived of glucose — it can mimic intoxication.
Hypoglycemia (blood glucose below 70 mg/dL) is a medical emergency. Signs: rapid onset (minutes), sweating, pale and clammy skin, tachycardia, hunger, trembling, confusion, altered mental status, agitation, or combativeness — it can appear identical to intoxication. If conscious and able to swallow: administer approximately 15 grams of fast-acting sugar. Call EMS. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar/DKA) typically has slower onset with fruity breath and extreme thirst/urination.
Question 4: A Florida officer uses a tourniquet on a shooting victim's arm. What critical information must be documented and communicated?
- The gauge of the tourniquet used and the hospital destination
- The time the tourniquet was applied, marked on the patient or tourniquet (Correct answer)
- The officer's certification level and supervisor's approval
- The blood type of the victim if known
Correct answer: The time the tourniquet was applied, marked on the patient or tourniquet
The time of tourniquet application is critical medical information — tourniquet time determines limb viability and guides the receiving trauma team's decisions.
When applying a tourniquet, documenting the application time is mandatory. Standard practice: write the time directly on the tourniquet or on the patient's forehead with marker ('TK 14:35'). This must be communicated to EMS upon handoff and to trauma center personnel. Why it matters: tourniquets are highly effective at stopping extremity hemorrhage but can cause tissue damage and limb loss if left beyond approximately 2 hours. Trauma surgeons use time of application to assess limb viability and plan surgery. TCCC and Hartford Consensus protocols require this documentation.
Question 5: What is the purpose of placing a trauma patient in the 'shock position' (modified Trendelenburg)?
- To prevent aspiration of vomit by elevating the head
- To improve venous return to the heart by elevating the legs approximately 8-12 inches while keeping the body flat (Correct answer)
- To facilitate breathing by elevating the upper torso 45 degrees
- To reduce spinal movement in patients with suspected neck injuries
Correct answer: To improve venous return to the heart by elevating the legs approximately 8-12 inches while keeping the body flat
Elevating the legs while keeping the body flat (modified Trendelenburg) uses gravity to improve venous return to the heart, helping maintain blood pressure in hypovolemic shock patients.
Hypovolemic shock occurs when blood volume is insufficient to maintain perfusion. The modified Trendelenburg position — patient supine with legs elevated approximately 8–12 inches — uses gravity to redirect blood from lower extremities toward the heart, temporarily improving venous return and cardiac output. This is an adjunct measure, not a substitute for controlling hemorrhage and calling EMS. Contraindications: suspected leg fractures, spinal injury, respiratory distress, or head injuries where intracranial pressure must be controlled.
Question 6: An officer responds to a person who has taken an unknown overdose and is unconscious but breathing. What is the highest priority action?
- Search the scene for evidence of the drug taken before providing care
- Ensure airway patency, provide naloxone (Narcan) if opioid overdose is suspected, and call EMS (Correct answer)
- Immediately attempt CPR regardless of breathing status
- Handcuff the person for officer safety before administering aid
Correct answer: Ensure airway patency, provide naloxone (Narcan) if opioid overdose is suspected, and call EMS
The highest priority is airway management and calling EMS. Naloxone (Narcan) should be given if opioid overdose is suspected — it is life-saving and available to Florida officers.
Florida law (F.S. §381.887) authorizes and requires Florida officers to carry and administer naloxone for suspected opioid overdoses. Response sequence: (1) scene safety, (2) open and maintain the airway, (3) if opioid overdose suspected, administer intranasal naloxone per agency protocol, (4) call EMS, (5) reassess and prepare to perform rescue breathing or CPR if breathing deteriorates. Good Samaritan protections under F.S. §893.21 apply to overdose scenes. Evidence preservation is secondary to life-saving care.
FDLE First Aid and Emergency Response 2
An officer arrives at a scene where a person has been stabbed and has a sucking chest wound.
What is the immediate priority treatment?