Free CPS Firefighter Test Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question below. 'Firefighter safety and health are critical components of a successful fire department. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 45.1 outlines the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) during all structural firefighting operations. This includes, but is not limited to, a helmet, hood, coat, trousers, boots, gloves, and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The Incident Commander (IC) is ultimately responsible for ensuring all personnel adhere to this SOP. However, it is the individual responsibility of each firefighter to inspect their PPE before each shift and report any deficiencies to their immediate supervisor, who is typically the Company Officer.' According to SOP 45.1, who holds the primary responsibility for the pre-shift inspection of personal protective equipment?
- The Incident Commander
- The Company Officer
- Each individual firefighter (Correct answer)
- The fire department's safety officer
Correct answer: Each individual firefighter
The passage explicitly states, '...it is the individual responsibility of each firefighter to inspect their PPE before each shift...'. While the IC has overall responsibility for SOP adherence and the Company Officer receives reports of deficiencies, the initial inspection duty lies with the individual firefighter.
Question 2: Read the following report and answer the question below. 'Upon arrival at 1422 Maple Avenue, Engine 5 found a two-story residential structure with heavy smoke showing from the second-floor windows on the 'Alpha' side. Captain Miller established command and ordered a transitional attack. Firefighter Jones and Firefighter Davis advanced a 1.75-inch attack line through the front door to the interior stairs. Simultaneously, Truck 3 was instructed to perform vertical ventilation on the roof. The initial water application from the exterior quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire, allowing the interior crew to proceed to the second floor and fully extinguish the remaining fire. The cause of the fire was later determined to be an overloaded electrical circuit in a second-floor bedroom.' What was the first action taken by the crew of Engine 5 upon reaching the scene?
- Advancing an attack line through the front door.
- Performing vertical ventilation on the roof.
- Applying water to the fire from the exterior.
- Establishing command of the incident. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Establishing command of the incident.
The passage states that 'Captain Miller established command' immediately after describing the scene upon arrival. This action precedes the order for the transitional attack, which includes both the exterior water application and the interior advance of the hoseline.
Question 3: A fire department memorandum states: 'Effective immediately, all personnel must complete the annual hazardous materials refresher course by April 30th. Failure to comply will result in the individual being placed on administrative duty until the training is completed. It is the responsibility of each Company Officer to ensure all members of their crew are registered. Registration must be done via the online portal, and any scheduling conflicts must be reported to the Training Division Chief at least two weeks prior to the scheduled class.' Based on this memorandum, which of the following statements is correct?
- Firefighters must report scheduling conflicts directly to their Company Officer.
- The Training Division Chief is responsible for registering all personnel for the course.
- A firefighter who misses the April 30th deadline will be suspended without pay.
- Completing the hazardous materials course is a mandatory annual requirement. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Completing the hazardous materials course is a mandatory annual requirement.
The first sentence clearly states that personnel must complete the 'annual hazardous materials refresher course,' indicating it is a yearly requirement. The other options are incorrect: scheduling conflicts go to the Training Division Chief, Company Officers ensure registration (but don't do it themselves), and the penalty is administrative duty, not suspension without pay.
Question 4: Read the following passage from a training manual on pump operations. 'Cavitation is a condition that can cause significant damage to a fire pump. It occurs when water is being discharged from the pump faster than it is entering, creating a partial vacuum. This vacuum can cause air bubbles to form within the water, which then collapse violently under pressure. The primary indicators of cavitation are a rattling sound, similar to gravel passing through the pump, and fluctuations in the pump pressure gauge. To remedy this situation, the pump operator must either decrease the throttle to reduce the discharge volume or find a way to increase the incoming water supply, such as by accessing a larger diameter hydrant or a secondary water source.' What is the main idea of this passage?
- Cavitation is caused by a rattling sound and pressure fluctuations.
- Pump operators should always use the largest available hydrant.
- Cavitation is a damaging condition with specific indicators and remedies. (Correct answer)
- Decreasing the throttle is the only way to stop pump cavitation.
Correct answer: Cavitation is a damaging condition with specific indicators and remedies.
This answer choice best summarizes the entire passage, which defines cavitation, explains its causes and indicators, and describes the potential remedies. The other options are either incorrect details or incomplete summaries of the text.
Question 5: A new department policy on the use of social media states: 'Personnel are prohibited from posting any photos or videos of emergency incidents on personal social media accounts. This includes images of patients, damaged property, or any scene that can be identified as a specific response location. Sharing of official department-released information is permissible, provided it is shared in its entirety without personal commentary that could be construed as an official statement. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.' According to this policy, a firefighter would be permitted to do which of the following?
- Post a photo of a fire engine at the scene of a minor car accident.
- Share a news article about a recent fire and add their personal opinion on the cause.
- Re-post an official press release from the department's Facebook page without adding any comments. (Correct answer)
- Send a video of a house fire to a friend via a private message.
Correct answer: Re-post an official press release from the department's Facebook page without adding any comments.
The policy explicitly allows for the sharing of 'official department-released information...provided it is shared in its entirety without personal commentary.' Re-posting an official press release fits this description. All other options involve posting images of incidents or adding personal commentary, which are forbidden.
Question 6: Read the following instructions for a new piece of equipment. 'The Model X gas monitor must be 'bump tested' prior to each use to verify sensor and alarm functionality. To perform a bump test, first ensure the device is powered on in a clean air environment. Next, attach the calibration cap and tubing securely over the sensor inlet. Apply the specified concentration of test gas for a period of 20-30 seconds. A successful test is indicated by the audible and visual alarms activating and the sensor readings corresponding to the gas values printed on the canister. If the device fails the test, it must be removed from service for a full calibration.' Which of the following steps is NOT required when performing a bump test?
- Attaching a calibration cap and tubing.
- Ensuring the monitor's battery is fully charged. (Correct answer)
- Applying a specific type of test gas.
- Confirming that the alarms activate during the test.
Correct answer: Ensuring the monitor's battery is fully charged.
The instructions detail powering the device on, attaching the cap, applying gas, and checking alarms, but they do not mention a requirement to ensure the battery is fully charged before a bump test, only that the device is 'powered on'.
Free CPS Firefighter Test Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers
Read the following passage and answer the question below.
'Firefighter safety and health are critical components of a successful fire department.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 45.1 outlines the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) during all structural firefighting operations.
This includes, but is not limited to, a helmet, hood, coat, trousers, boots, gloves, and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
The Incident Commander (IC) is ultimately responsible for ensuring all personnel adhere to this SOP.
However, it is the individual responsibility of each firefighter to inspect their PPE before each shift and report any deficiencies to their immediate supervisor, who is typically the Company Officer.'
According to SOP 45.1, who holds the primary responsibility for the pre-shift inspection of personal protective equipment?