Major Incident Response Flashcards

What minimal systolic blood pressure (mmHg) can the patient be assumed to have if a radial pulse is felt?

Answer: 80

In adults and older children, the presence of a palpable radial pulse generally indicates a minimum systolic blood pressure of at least 80 mmHg. This is a quick and practical assessment tool in emergency situations to estimate circulatory status when a blood pressure cuff is not immediately available or readings are difficult to obtain.

What kind of situation results in a high demand on local and regional EMS and rescue services?

Answer: Disaster

A disaster is defined as an event that overwhelms the routine capabilities of local and regional emergency medical services (EMS) and rescue services, requiring a coordinated, large-scale response and external assistance. Such situations create a high demand for resources and personnel, exceeding normal operational capacity.

How should the radio conversations sound between the sector officer of Transport and the incident commander?

Answer: Command to Transport Sector

In the Incident Command System (ICS), communication should always use clear text and established organizational titles, not personal names or informal language. Therefore, the Incident Commander would address the Transport Sector Officer as 'Command to Transport Sector' to maintain clarity, professionalism, and adherence to ICS protocols.

Which sector is in charge of acquiring and delivering essential medical supplies after a major incident?

Answer: Treatment

The Treatment Sector (or Medical Branch) within the Incident Command System is responsible for the direct medical care of patients, which includes managing and distributing essential medical supplies within its designated area. While a separate Supply section might handle overall logistics, the Treatment Sector ensures its own immediate needs for patient care are met.

In regard to the scene of the incident, where should the command post be placed?

Answer: Upwind and uphill

The Incident Command Post (ICP) should be strategically located in a safe, secure, and accessible area. Placing it upwind and uphill from the incident scene helps protect personnel from hazardous materials (smoke, fumes, chemical releases) that might drift downwind, and an uphill position can offer a better vantage point and reduce risks from potential spills or runoff.

Who does the paramedic report to after being placed in a sector?

Answer: Sector officer

In the Incident Command System (ICS), paramedics are assigned to specific sectors (e.g., Treatment, Transport, Staging) and operate within a clear chain of command. They report directly to their assigned Sector Officer, who then reports up the chain to the Incident Commander, ensuring efficient communication and coordination within the incident structure.

How should the majority of communications between the paramedics and the sector officer be conducted?

Answer: Face-to-face

While two-way radios are essential for broader communication in an Incident Command System, the majority of direct communication between paramedics and their immediate supervisor, the Sector Officer, should ideally be face-to-face. This allows for clearer understanding, visual assessment of the situation, and reduces radio traffic, especially in a chaotic mass casualty incident.

When using the START method, how long should a triage assessment last at the most?

Answer: 60 seconds

The Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment (START) method is designed for rapid assessment in mass casualty incidents. Each patient assessment should be completed within approximately 30 to 60 seconds to quickly categorize patients and prioritize resources, ensuring that the most critical patients are identified without unduly delaying the overall triage process.

Which of the following is a important tool for the Incident Commander or any sector officer?

Answer: Clipboard with pencils and paper

A clipboard with pencils and paper is a fundamental and essential tool for any Incident Commander or Sector Officer. It allows for immediate documentation of assignments, patient counts, resource tracking, and critical information, which is crucial for maintaining situational awareness, making informed decisions, and ensuring accountability in a dynamic incident environment.

How many people get overall command responsibility in the Incident Command System?

Answer: 1

The Incident Command System (ICS) is structured around a single, unified command to ensure clear authority and accountability. This means only one individual, the Incident Commander, holds overall responsibility for managing all aspects of an incident. This centralized leadership prevents confusion and facilitates efficient decision-making during emergencies.

When the incident commander arrives on the scene, what should they do first?

Answer: Assume an effective command mode and position

Upon arrival, the Incident Commander's immediate priority is to establish command by announcing their presence and assuming a visible, effective command position. This initial step is crucial for organizing the scene and allows for a structured approach to subsequent actions. Once command is established, they can then proceed to rapidly evaluate the situation, delegate tasks, and request resources systematically.

Where are more resources positioned until they are required on the scene?

Answer: Staging area

The staging area is a designated location where unassigned resources, such as additional personnel, ambulances, or specialized equipment, are held. This prevents congestion at the immediate incident scene and allows the Incident Commander to deploy resources efficiently as they are needed. It acts as a ready pool, ensuring organized and timely deployment.

What kind of management must the sector officer employ?

Answer: Cooperative

A sector officer, also known as a branch director or group supervisor in the Incident Command System, must employ cooperative management. This involves working collaboratively with other sector officers, subordinates, and the Incident Commander to ensure coordinated efforts and effective resource utilization. Cooperative management fosters teamwork and ensures all operational objectives are met safely and efficiently.

What respiratory rate cutoff determines whether a patient is considered critical?

Answer: 30

A respiratory rate cutoff of 30 breaths per minute is often used as a critical threshold in patient assessment. A rate above this indicates significant respiratory distress or compromise, suggesting the patient is working very hard to breathe and may be experiencing hypoxia or other serious medical conditions. This elevated rate signals an urgent need for intervention and further evaluation.

Which zone does the extrication sector operate in?

Answer: Hazard

The extrication sector operates within the hazard zone, also known as the hot zone, because it involves direct contact with the source of the incident and potential dangers. This zone requires specialized training, personal protective equipment, and strict safety protocols due to the immediate risks present. Operations in this area focus on safely removing patients from dangerous environments.

When should the incident command system be used to maintain practicing after how many units have been assigned to an incident?

Answer: 3

The Incident Command System (ICS) should be implemented and maintained when an incident involves three or more units. This threshold helps ensure that even relatively small incidents are managed with a structured approach, preventing chaos and promoting efficient coordination as more resources become involved. Early implementation of ICS helps maintain control and accountability.