Paramedics Exam Rescue Operations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At a structural collapse scene, a secondary collapse is imminent. The rescue team should immediately:
- Accelerate patient packaging to clear the scene faster
- Initiate evacuation of all personnel from the collapse zone (Correct answer)
- Shore up the structure before moving any patients
- Request additional units and continue operations
Correct answer: Initiate evacuation of all personnel from the collapse zone
Rescuer safety takes absolute priority; all personnel must evacuate the danger zone when secondary collapse is imminent.
Question 2: A patient requiring spinal immobilization is trapped in a vehicle. Which device is MOST appropriate for initial spinal stabilization before extrication?
- Long spine board inserted vertically
- Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) (Correct answer)
- Scoop stretcher applied from below
- Vacuum mattress
Correct answer: Kendrick Extrication Device (KED)
The KED secures the head, neck, and torso as a unit, allowing the patient to be rotated and removed while maintaining spinal alignment.
Question 3: During ice rescue, EMS should approach a victim through ice by:
- Running quickly to distribute weight
- Crawling prone to spread body weight over a larger area (Correct answer)
- Walking slowly in single file
- Using a ladder bridged across the surface
Correct answer: Crawling prone to spread body weight over a larger area
Crawling prone distributes body weight over a larger surface area, reducing point-pressure that could break thin ice.
Question 4: Which hazardous material placard indicates an oxidizer?
- Red diamond with flame symbol
- Yellow diamond with flame-over-circle symbol (Correct answer)
- White diamond with skull and crossbones
- Green diamond with flame symbol
Correct answer: Yellow diamond with flame-over-circle symbol
The yellow diamond with a flame-over-circle is the DOT placard for oxidizers (Class 5.1), which accelerate combustion.
Question 5: In a high-angle rope rescue, the 'belay' system serves which function?
- Provides the primary lifting force for the litter
- Acts as a backup to catch the load if the main line fails (Correct answer)
- Anchors the rescuer's harness to the edge
- Controls descent speed during lowering
Correct answer: Acts as a backup to catch the load if the main line fails
The belay is an independent safety system that arrests a fall if the main raising or lowering line fails.
Question 6: A patient rescued from a burning building presents with confusion, cherry-red skin, and a headache. The paramedic should FIRST administer:
- Albuterol via nebulizer
- High-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask (Correct answer)
- Sodium bicarbonate IV bolus
- Activated charcoal
Correct answer: High-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
High-flow 100% oxygen accelerates the dissociation of carboxyhemoglobin, the priority treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Question 7: When using hydraulic rescue tools ('Jaws of Life') near a hybrid or electric vehicle, the paramedic should advise rescuers to:
- Cut the orange high-voltage cables first to disable the system
- Avoid cutting orange-jacketed cables and disable the 12V accessory battery instead (Correct answer)
- Ignore hybrid components as they pose no additional risk
- Submerge the battery module in water before cutting
Correct answer: Avoid cutting orange-jacketed cables and disable the 12V accessory battery instead
Orange cables carry high-voltage DC current; the 12V accessory battery should be cut to depower safety systems without touching HV components.
Paramedics Exam Rescue Operations 3
At a structural collapse scene, a secondary collapse is imminent.
The rescue team should immediately: