Ch. 5

Question 1

Completing the preparation phase of ambulance operations does NOT include:

A) having adequate supplies on the unit.
B) being well-rested.
C) knowing your protocols.
D) choosing the best route to the receiving hospital.

Answer 1

D) choosing the best route to the receiving hospital.

Page Ref: 79
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 2

An AEMT shows that she understands the concept of driving with due regard when she states:

A) “When responding, I drive as fast as possible to deliver our care in a timely manner.”
B) “When taking a patient to the hospital, I always drive with lights and sirens so we can get back in service quickly.”
C) “When proceeding through a red light, I always stop until all traffic has yielded the right of way.”
D) “I don’t need to slow down at an intersection if I have a green light.”

Answer 2

C) “When proceeding through a red light, I always stop until all traffic has yielded the right of way.”

Page Ref: 86
Objective: 5.4 Describe the legal responsibilities and privileges afforded to Advanced EMTs operating ambulances, and the precautions that must be observed while using those privileges.

Question 3

You are instructing a group of new EMTs about the basics of driving an emergency vehicle. What should you emphasize as the MOST frequent locations or circumstances for ambulance crashes?

A) Intersections
B) Parking lots
C) Backing up
D) Emergency scenes

Answer 3

A) Intersections

Page Ref: 89
Objective: 5.5 Give examples of habits and behaviors that improve driving safety.

Question 4

The BEST way to get other drivers’ attention when you are driving with lights and sirens is to:

A) press the air horn when you pull behind someone who isn’t yielding the right of way.
B) pull close behind a car so that they will see you in the rearview mirror.
C) increase your audible warnings by changing the siren tone or activating the horn.
D) vary the lighting first using the strobe lights then the bar lights.

Answer 4

C) increase your audible warnings by changing the siren tone or activating the horn.

Page Ref: 89
Objective: 5.4 Describe the legal responsibilities and privileges afforded to Advanced EMTs operating ambulances, and the precautions that must be observed while using those privileges.

Question 5

Braking and stopping distance for ambulances can be up to 3 times greater than cars’ due to:

A) length.
B) height.
C) weight.
D) width.

Answer 5

C) weight.

Page Ref: 86
Objective: 5.6 Discuss factors that can affect your ability to maintain control of an ambulance.

Question 6

Of the following, which is the MOST important information to give to family members regarding transport of the patient to the hospital?

A) Directions for driving to the receiving hospital
B) To not follow the ambulance to the hospital
C) To bring the patient’s medications to the hospital
D) To stick close to the ambulance through the intersections

Answer 6

B) To not follow the ambulance to the hospital

Page Ref: 86
Objective: 5.5 Give examples of habits and behaviors that improve driving safety.

Question 7

MOST state statutes allow an emergency vehicle operator to do which of the following on emergency calls?

A) Drive around lowered cross-arms at a railroad crossing.
B) Exceed posted speed limits if life and property are not endangered.
C) Be exempt from liability in the event of a serious collision.
D) Pass a stopped school bus when it has its red flashers on.

Answer 7

B) Exceed posted speed limits if life and property are not endangered.

Page Ref: 86
Objective: 5.4 Describe the legal responsibilities and privileges afforded to Advanced EMTs operating ambulances, and the precautions that must be observed while using those privileges.

Question 8

Operators of emergency vehicles MUST drive with the safety of others in mind, which is known as driving:

A) with due regard.
B) defensively.
C) as a public servant.
D) with emergency privilege.

Answer 8

A) with due regard.

Page Ref: 86
Objective: 5.5 Give examples of habits and behaviors that improve driving safety.

Question 9

The primary factor in loss of control of the ambulance is:

A) trying to stop too quickly on wet roadways.
B) drivers stopping suddenly in front of the ambulance.
C) talking on the cell phone while trying to drive.
D) driving too fast for current road conditions.

Answer 9

D) driving too fast for current road conditions.

Page Ref: 86
Objective: 5.6 Discuss factors that can affect your ability to maintain control of an ambulance.

Question 10

You are responding to an emergency call, but the traffic is at a standstill, and vehicles are unable to clear a path for you to move through. You should:

A) turn your lights and sirens off and wait for traffic to move.
B) continue to sound your horn to get the traffic moving.
C) try to back up or turn around and find another route.
D) very carefully nudge some cars out of your path.

Answer 10

A) turn your lights and sirens off and wait for traffic to move.

Page Ref: 88
Objective: 5.8 Describe the appropriate use of emergency warning devices, such as lights and sirens.

Question 11

Which of the following actions is appropriate when using a helicopter on the scene of an emergency?

A) Always approach a helicopter from the front.
B) Point a flashlight toward the pilot to show him where to land.
C) Keep all personnel at least 50 feet from the helicopter.
D) Approach the helicopter as soon as it lands.

Answer 11

A) Always approach a helicopter from the front.

Page Ref: 101-102
Objective: 5.17 Discuss situations in which air medical transportation should be considered, disadvantages of air medical transport, and guidelines for setting up a landing zone and interacting with the air medical crew.

Question 12

When responding to an emergency call, what should you do if you come upon a school bus unloading students?

A) Slow down and proceed past the school bus.
B) Respond normally because you have the right of way.
C) Stop and wait for all the children to cross the road safely.
D) Turn around and find an alternate route.

Answer 12

C) Stop and wait for all the children to cross the road safely.

Page Ref: 88
Objective: 5.4 Describe the legal responsibilities and privileges afforded to Advanced EMTs operating ambulances, and the precautions that must be observed while using those privileges.

Question 13

The single MOST important factor in reducing injuries in ambulance crashes is/are:

A) all-weather 4-ply steel belted tires.
B) proper restraint of occupants and equipment.
C) interior padding in the patient compartment.
D) airbags placed in the patient compartment.

Answer 13

B) proper restraint of occupants and equipment.

Page Ref: 91
Objective: 5.5 Give examples of habits and behaviors that improve driving safety.

Question 14

The MOST dangerous seating position in the back of the ambulance is:

A) on the stretcher.
B) on the side facing the bench seat.
C) on the bench seat.
D) wherever the attendant sits.

Answer 14

B) on the side facing the bench seat.

Page Ref: 91
Objective: 5.12 Relate features of ambulance design to both hazards and safety in ambulance crashes.

Question 15

The SAFEST seating position in the back of the ambulance is:

A) the airway seat.
B) on the crew bench.
C) on the stretcher.
D) facing the crew bench.

Answer 15

C) on the stretcher.

Page Ref: 91
Objective: 5.12 Relate features of ambulance design to both hazards and safety in ambulance crashes.

Question 16

Which of the following is a method to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure from vehicle exhaust?

A) Keep the heater or air conditioner on at all times.
B) Keep ambulance windows open when weather permits.
C) Cab windows should be kept open when idling.
D) Attach a conversion device to convert CO to CO2.

Answer 16

A) Keep the heater or air conditioner on at all times.

Page Ref: 92
Objective: 5.10 Explain precautions to avoid exposing yourself and others to increased levels of carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust.

Question 17

When an AEMT is driving an ambulance using lights and sirens, most states DO NOT permit the AEMT to:

A) drive in the wrong direction down a one way street.
B) turn in any direction at an intersection.
C) proceed through a red light without stopping.
D) pass another vehicle in a no passing zone.

Answer 17

C) proceed through a red light without stopping.

Page Ref: 87
Objective: 5.13 Given a high-risk ambulance operation situation, such as negotiating intersections or highway driving, describe actions to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Question 18

It is characteristic of carbon monoxide to:

A) smell faintly of bitter almonds.
B) produce yellow vapors with a sulfurous taste and smell.
C) emit blue fumes with a noxious odor.
D) be colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Answer 18

D) be colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Page Ref: 92
Objective: 5.10 Explain precautions to avoid exposing yourself and others to increased levels of carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust.

Question 19

Which of the following would be a sign or symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning?

A) Stomach cramping
B) Spontaneous bleeding
C) Double vision
D) Headaches

Answer 19

D) Headaches

Page Ref: 92
Objective: 5.10 Explain precautions to avoid exposing yourself and others to increased levels of carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust.

Question 20

Which of the following is the BEST treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning?

A) Epinephrine
B) High-flow oxygen
C) Atropine
D) Nitrous oxide

Answer 20

B) High-flow oxygen

Page Ref: 92
Objective: 5.10 Explain precautions to avoid exposing yourself and others to increased levels of carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust.

Question 21

EMS badges and ID cards should include a photo of the bearer and be:

A) easy to copy.
B) flame resistant.
C) counterfeit resistant.
D) double laminated.

Answer 21

C) counterfeit resistant.

Page Ref: 93
Objective: 5.3 Describe the recommendations of the National Association of EMTs with respect to EMS provider security and safety.

Question 22

As you approach the scene of a three-vehicle crash, dispatch information and the initial information you gather as you approach the scene can help you determine:

A) fault for the accident.
B) the patient with the most severe injuries.
C) the level of trauma center required.
D) mechanism of injury.

Answer 22

D) mechanism of injury.

Page Ref: 93
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 23

You are called for a patient who has received an electrical shock. When you arrive, you find that the patient has struck a power pole with a motorcycle and has a power line lying across him. Which of the following components of the scene size-up is particularly relevant at this point?

A) Estimating the number of patients
B) Determining the mechanism of injury
C) Assessing the need for additional resources
D) Forming a general impression

Answer 23

C) Assessing the need for additional resources

Page Ref: 94
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 24

When should the AEMT conduct an evaluation of the scene for hazards that can threaten or harm him?

A) Throughout the entire call
B) Prior to leaving the ambulance
C) After completing the primary assessment
D) After receiving dispatch information

Answer 24

A) Throughout the entire call

Page Ref: 93
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 25

Your crew arrives at a home for a medical call. As you begin to exit the ambulance, a large dog charges you, barking and showing his teeth. You should:

A) kneel down and try to calm the animal.
B) stay in the ambulance and call dispatch for additional resources.
C) blow the horn until the homeowner comes out.
D) have your partner distract the animal while you run inside.

Answer 25

B) stay in the ambulance and call dispatch for additional resources.

Page Ref: 93
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 26

Your crew responds to a motor vehicle crash where a four-door pickup truck has crashed into a tree. One man was ejected and is obviously dead, and a woman is unconscious still in her seatbelt. You notice a car seat in the back with various toys scattered about the scene. Which of the following is MOST crucial?

A) Call for extrication assistance.
B) Contact law enforcement for traffic control.
C) Begin searching for additional patients.
D) Call for aeromedical transportation.

Answer 26

Page Ref: 94
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 27

You are dispatched to a call for a two-year-old not breathing. When responding, you realize that your FIRST responsibility is to:

A) mentally prepare for what might be required on-scene.
B) arrive at the scene safely with no mishaps.
C) review the protocol for pediatric cardiac arrest.
D) get to the scene as quickly as possible.

Answer 27

B) arrive at the scene safely with no mishaps.

Page Ref: 79
Objective: 5.4 Describe the legal responsibilities and privileges afforded to Advanced EMTs operating ambulances, and the precautions that must be observed while using those privileges.

Question 28

You have an obese patient who cannot walk and must be carried down several flights of stairs. You are worried that you are not strong enough, but you know your partner is very strong. Which of the following statements indicates the BEST way to safely move this patient without risking injury to you or your partner?

A) “When we move him, let’s go slowly down the stairs.”
B) “As long as I lean backward when moving him, we should be okay.”
C) “To be safe, let’s move him quickly and one step at a time.”
D) “We will have to call for assistance to move him from his house.”

Answer 28

D) “We will have to call for assistance to move him from his house.”

Page Ref: 94
Objective: 5.18 Apply principles of proper body mechanics to lifting and moving patients and equipment.

Question 29

When lifting or moving any patient, you MUST remember to primarily use the muscles of your:

A) legs.
B) hips.
C) back.
D) arms.

Answer 29

A) legs.

Page Ref: 94
Objective: 5.18 Apply principles of proper body mechanics to lifting and moving patients and equipment.

Question 30

When AEMT lifts a patient, the:

A) back must do the majority of the lifting.
B) legs must be kept straight at all times.
C) hands must be positioned with palms forward.
D) feet must be pointed inward with toes curled.

Answer 30

C) hands must be positioned with palms forward.

Page Ref: 94
Objective: 5.18 Apply principles of proper body mechanics to lifting and moving patients and equipment.

Question 31

You are called for a patient with a possible appendicitis. Which of the following positions would be the MOST comfortable for patient transport?

A) Fowler’s
B) Semi-Fowler’s
C) Lateral recumbent
D) Trendelenburg

Answer 31

C) Lateral recumbent

Page Ref: 95
Objective: 5.21 Demonstrate the steps required to package a patient properly for transport by ground or by air.

Question 32

Which of the following describes Fowler’s position?

A) Lying flat on the back
B) Lying on the side
C) Lying on the stomach
D) Sitting upright at a greater than 45-degree angle

Answer 32

D) Sitting upright at a greater than 45-degree angle

Page Ref: 95
Objective: 5.21 Demonstrate the steps required to package a patient properly for transport by ground or by air.

Question 33

Which of the following statements regarding elevating a patient’s legs and feet in the presence of shock is TRUE?

A) It improves circulation to the upper body.
B) It interferes with the movement of the diaphragm.
C) It increases blood flow to the brain.
D) It relieves the pressure on the lower back.

Answer 33

B) It interferes with the movement of the diaphragm.

Page Ref: 96
Objective: 5.21 Demonstrate the steps required to package a patient properly for transport by ground or by air.

Question 34

The AEMT should perform an urgent or emergency move when the:

A) patient shows no compromise of airway, breathing or circulation.
B) patient is stable but in a lot of pain.
C) scene contains an immediate threat to the crew or patient.
D) crew has another emergency call holding.

Answer 34

C) scene contains an immediate threat to the crew or patient.

Page Ref: 94
Objective: 5.20 Differentiate among situations that call for emergency, urgent, and nonurgent moves.

Question 35

A patient has fallen in his upstairs bathroom and is on the floor when you arrive. Your assessment shows no immediate threat to his airway, breathing, or circulatory status, however, he does have deformity and bruising to his left hip. He complains of excruciating pain to the same area. In this situation, you should recognize the need for what category of move?

A) Emergency
B) Urgent
C) Critical
D) Non-urgent

Answer 35

D) Non-urgent

Page Ref: 94
Objective: 5.20 Differentiate among situations that call for emergency, urgent, and nonurgent moves.

Question 36

The patient must be moved immediately from a structure that has caught fire. He is lying on the ground with only a set of shorts on. You are by yourself and have no other supplies or materials. What type of move would be MOST appropriate in this situation?

A) The armpit-forearm drag
B) The extremity lift
C) The shirt drag
D) The direct carry

Answer 36

A) The armpit-forearm drag

Page Ref: 98
Objective: 5.22 Describe the proper use of, advantages, disadvantages, and techniques for using a variety of methods and equipment for lifting and moving patients.

Question 37

Which of the following positions would MOST likely be preferred by an alert and oriented patient with respiratory distress?

A) Trendelenburg
B) Fowler’s
C) Lateral recumbent
D) Semi-Fowler’s

Answer 37

B) Fowler’s

Page Ref: 95
Objective: 5.23 Determine the proper position for patients whose conditions require specific positioning considerations.

Question 38

An unconscious patient who is vomiting intermittently should be placed in the recovery position, also known as:

A) Trendelenburg.
B) Fowler’s.
C) left lateral recumbent.
D) semi-Fowler’s.

Answer 38

C) left lateral recumbent.

Page Ref: 95
Objective: 5.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter.

Question 39

Patients with inadequate perfusion should be transported:

A) in a Fowler’s or semi-Fowler’s position.
B) prone.
C) supine.
D) in the Trendelenburg position.

Answer 39

C) supine.

Page Ref: 95
Objective: 5.23 Determine the proper position for patients whose conditions require specific positioning considerations.

Question 40

Which of the following statements regarding driving an ambulance at night is TRUE?

A) You should use your high beams when approaching other vehicles.
B) Using your flashers increases your chances of being seen at night.
C) Oncoming drivers may be temporarily blinded by your headlights.
D) Visual acuity increases when driving at night or in inclement weather.

Answer 40

C) Oncoming drivers may be temporarily blinded by your headlights.

Page Ref: 87
Objective: 5.7 Explain precautions that should be taken when operating an ambulance at night or in inclement weather.

Question 41

Which of the following would improve safety when working at scenes on and near roadways?

A) Turning on strobe lights to make the ambulance more visible
B) Always having at least two people assigned as lookouts
C) Having rescue workers wear red and blue clothing
D) Requiring safety personnel to wear reflective clothing

Answer 41

D) Requiring safety personnel to wear reflective clothing

Page Ref: 91
Objective: 5.9 Describe the safety precautions to be taken when working at scenes on and near roadways.

Question 42

You are responding to a motor vehicle crash on the interstate. Which of the following describes the BEST way to assure you will arrive safely?

A) Have your partner handle communication with the dispatch center.
B) Do not put your lights and sirens on until you get close to the scene.
C) Finish eating your dinner before you arrive at the accident scene.
D) Follow another emergency vehicle when you drive through red lights.

Answer 42

A) Have your partner handle communication with the dispatch center.

Page Ref: 85
Objective: 5.15 Describe the ways of minimizing distractions while driving.

Question 43

You are returning to quarters after transporting a patient to the hospital in the middle of the night at the end of a double shift. Your partner is driving, and you are completing your patient care report. You look up just in time to see your partner run off the road, overcorrect, and then veer briefly into oncoming traffic before returning safely to your lane. What is the MOST likely cause of this near-miss?

A) A mechanical problem
B) Inebriation
C) Fatigue
D) A medical emergency

Answer 43

C) Fatigue

Page Ref: 85
Objective: 5.16 Explain the impact of fatigue and shift work on the safety of ambulance operations.

Question 44

Susan is an EMS who has just received a call to transfer a bed-confined patient for routine medical care. What type of call is this considered to be?

A) A trauma call
B) An emergency call
C) A nonemergency call
D) A residential call

Answer 44

C) A nonemergency call

Page Ref: 80
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 45

As an EMS provider, when you approach an emergency situation, when does the scene size-up begin?

A) As you arrive at the scene
B) Once you make your initial contact with the patient
C) After you have received a briefing from witnesses
D) On the way to the scene

Answer 45

A) As you arrive at the scene

Page Ref: 79
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 46

When responding to a roadway scene, you should always position the ambulance so that:

A) the back of the ambulance opens away from the emergency scene.
B) providers do not have to cross traffic.
C) entry into or exit from the ambulance is into traffic.
D) the ambulance is positioned parallel to the emergency scene.

Answer 46

B) providers do not have to cross traffic.

Page Ref: 82
Objective: 5.13 Given a high-risk ambulance operation situation, such as negotiating intersections or highway driving, describe actions to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Question 47

Arriving at the scene, Shayla recognizes the presence of hazardous materials. What should Shayla do?

A) Enter the area and rescue victims.
B) Determine the hazard.
C) Request specialized resources.
D) Begin immediate treatment of those affected.

Answer 47

C) Request specialized resources.

Page Ref: 82
Objective: 5.2 Give examples of the Advanced EMT’s responsibilities during each of the major phases of an ambulance call.

Question 48

A good defensive driver constantly scans the surroundings. This process includes each of the following EXCEPT:

A) checking blind spots.
B) watching everything outside the front windshield.
C) monitoring the vehicle interior.
D) watching all mirrors.

Answer 48

B) watching everything outside the front windshield.

Page Ref: 85
Objective: 5.13 Given a high-risk ambulance operation situation, such as negotiating intersections or highway driving, describe actions to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Question 49

Detecting vehicles at your side cushions requires:

A) constant scanning of your side mirrors.
B) maintaining a constant speed to ensure there is a good stopping distance between cars.
C) avoiding tailgating.
D) tapping your brakes and flashing your lights if safety is in question.

Answer 49

A) constant scanning of your side mirrors.

Page Ref: 86
Objective: 5.13 Given a high-risk ambulance operation situation, such as negotiating intersections or highway driving, describe actions to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Question 50

When driving to a scene of an emergency, the ambulance driver should:

A) always pull to the right whenever possible.
B) always pass cars on the left.
C) as much as possible drive in the center median.
D) avoid using warning devices.

Answer 50

B) always pass cars on the left.

Page Ref: 88
Objective: 5.13 Given a high-risk ambulance operation situation, such as negotiating intersections or highway driving, describe actions to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Question 51

A patient requiring airway management should almost always be put in which of the following positions?

A) Supine
B) Recovery
C) Recumbent
D) Semi-Fowler’s

Answer 51

A) Supine

Page Ref: 95
Objective: 5.23 Determine the proper position for patients whose conditions require specific positioning considerations.