Chapter 38 - Transport Operations

Question 1

A medical transport helicopter is incoming and you are responsible for setting up the landing zone (LZ). You should:

Select one:

A. use yellow caution tape to mark of the LZ perimeter.

B. ask bystanders to stand at all four corners of the LZ.

C. place four flares 100 feet apart in an “X” pattern.

D. use weighted cones to mark all four corners of the LZ.

Answer 1

D. use weighted cones to mark all four corners of the LZ.

Question 2

A type _____ ambulance features a conventional, truck cab-chassis with a modular ambulance body that can be transferred to a newer chassis as needed.

Select one:

A. IV

B. III

C. I

D. II

Answer 2

C. I

Question 3

Common safety equipment carried on the ambulance includes all of the following, EXCEPT:

Select one:

A. turnout gear.

B. hazardous materials gear.

C. face shields.

D. safety goggles.

Answer 3

B. hazardous materials gear.

Question 4

During the transport phase of an ambulance call, it is MOST important to:

Select one:

A. reassess unstable patients at least every 15 minutes.

B. complete the run form before arrival at the hospital.

C. converse with the patient and provide reassurance.

D. reassess the patient only if he or she deteriorates.

Answer 4

C. converse with the patient and provide reassurance.

Question 5

Equipment and supplies that are carried on an ambulance should be stored:

Select one:

A. in locked or secured cabinets in order to prevent theft.

B. based on recommendations of the health department.

C. as directed by the EMS system’s medical director.

D. according to the urgency and frequency of their use.

Answer 5

D. according to the urgency and frequency of their use.

Question 6

For every emergency request, the dispatcher should routinely gather and record all of the following information, EXCEPT the:

Select one:

A. nature of the call.

B. caller’s phone number.

C. location of the patient(s).

D. patient’s medical history.

Answer 6

D. patient’s medical history.

Question 7

General guidelines for safe ambulance driving include all of the following, EXCEPT:

Select one:

A. avoiding one-way streets whenever possible.

B. assuming that other drivers will not see you.

C. regularly using the siren as much as possible.

D. avoiding routes with heavy traffic congestion.

Answer 7

C. regularly using the siren as much as possible.

Question 8

Hydroplaning of the ambulance on wet roads would MOST likely occur at speeds of greater than _____ mph.

Select one:

A. 20

B. 30

C. 10

D. 15

Answer 8

B. 30

Question 9

Immediately upon arriving at the scene of an emergency call involving a traumatic injury, you should notify the dispatcher of your arrival and then:

Select one:

A. determine if additional units are needed.

B. carefully assess the mechanism of injury.

C. observe the scene for safety hazards.

D. quickly gain access to the patient.

Answer 9

C. observe the scene for safety hazards.

Question 10

In which of the following situations would the EMTs MOST likely utilize a police escort?

Select one:

A. The call is dispatched as an unresponsive patient with CPR in progress.

B. The EMTs are unfamiliar with the location, but the police officer knows the area.

C. The weather is treacherous and there are numerous roads washed out.

D. The EMTs are transporting a critical pediatric patient through traffic.

Answer 10

B. The EMTs are unfamiliar with the location, but the police officer knows the area.

Question 11

Maintaining a cushion of safety when operating an ambulance means:

Select one:

A. driving about 2 to 3 seconds behind any vehicles in front of you and exceeding the posted speed limit by no more than 20 to 25 mph.

B. remaining in the far right-hand lane when transporting a critical patient and refraining from passing other motorists on the left side.

C. keeping a safe distance between your ambulance and the vehicles in front of you and remaining aware of vehicles potentially hiding in your mirrors’ blind spots.

D. driving at the posted speed limit, regardless of the patient’s condition, and routinely using your lights and siren when driving on a freeway.

Answer 11

C. keeping a safe distance between your ambulance and the vehicles in front of you and remaining aware of vehicles potentially hiding in your mirrors’ blind spots.

Question 12

The LEAST practical place to store a portable oxygen cylinder is:

Select one:

A. in the driver’s compartment.

B. near the side or rear door.

C. inside the jump kit.

D. on the ambulance stretcher.

Answer 12

A. in the driver’s compartment.

Question 13

The MOST common and usually the most serious ambulance crashes occur at:

Select one:

A. railroad crossings.

B. stop lights.

C. intersections.

D. stop signs.

Answer 13

C. intersections.

Question 14

The process of removing dirt, dust, blood, or other visible contaminants from a surface or equipment is called:

Select one:

A. cleaning.

B. disinfection.

C. sterilization.

D. high-level disinfection.

Answer 14

A. cleaning.

Question 15

The use of lights and siren on an ambulance:

Select one:

A. allows other drivers to hear and see you from a great distance.

B. legally gives the emergency vehicle operator the right of way.

C. signifies a request for other drivers to yield the right of way.

D. is required any time a patient is being transported to the hospital.

Answer 15

C. signifies a request for other drivers to yield the right of way.

Question 16

When approaching a helicopter, whether the rotor blades are moving or not, you should:

Select one:

A. carefully approach the aircraft from the rear unless a crew member instructs you to do otherwise.

B. remember that the main rotor blade is flexible and can dip as low as 5’ to 6’ from the ground.

C. approach the aircraft from the side because this will make it easier for you to access the aircraft doors.

D. never duck under the body or the tail boom because the pilot cannot see you in these areas.

Answer 16

D. never duck under the body or the tail boom because the pilot cannot see you in these areas.

Question 17

When arriving at the scene of an overturned tractor-trailer rig, you note that a green cloud is being emitted from the crashed vehicle. The driver is still in the truck; he is conscious but bleeding profusely from the head. After notifying the hazardous materials team, you should:

Select one:

A. park downhill from the scene.

B. ask the driver to exit the vehicle.

C. position the ambulance upwind.

D. quickly gain access to the patient.

Answer 17

C. position the ambulance upwind.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of regional equipment or supplies?

Select one:

A. Oral glucose

B. DuoDote Auto-Injector

C. Vacuum splint

D. Inhaled bronchodilator

Answer 18

B. DuoDote Auto-Injector

Question 19

While en route to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest, you approach a stopped school bus with its red warning lights flashing. You should:

Select one:

A. stop and wait until the warning lights stop flashing.

B. pass the bus only after all the children have exited.

C. back up and take an alternate route to the scene.

D. slowly and carefully pass the bus on the left side.

Answer 19

A. stop and wait until the warning lights stop flashing.

Question 20

You have just delivered a major trauma patient to the hospital. Shortly after departing the hospital, dispatch advises you of another call. The back of the ambulance is contaminated with bloody dressings and is in disarray, and you are in need of airway equipment and numerous other supplies. You should:

Select one:

A. advise the dispatcher that you are out of service and to send another unit.

B. have your partner quickly clean the ambulance as you proceed to the call.

C. quickly proceed to the call and clean and restock the ambulance afterwards.

D. proceed to the call, functioning only as an emergency medical responder.

Answer 20

A. advise the dispatcher that you are out of service and to send another unit.

Question 21

While using lights and siren, most state laws permit an ambulance to:

A. carefully exceed the posted speed limit.
B. disregard all traffic control signals.
C. proceed through red lights without stopping.
D. drive as fast as the department allows.

Answer 21

A. carefully exceed the posted speed limit.

Question 22

Phases of an ambulance call include all of the following activities, EXCEPT:

A. emergency care provided at the scene.

B. transport of the patient to the hospital.

C. checking equipment on the ambulance.

D. transferring the patient to the ambulance.

Answer 22

A. emergency care provided at the scene.

Question 23

When transporting a patient to the hospital, you should:

A. be safe and get the patient to the hospital in the shortest practical time.
B. generally exceed the posted speed limit by 10 to 20 mph.
C. place the patient on a long backboard, even if no trauma is involved.
D. secure the patient to the ambulance stretcher with at least two straps.

Answer 23

A. be safe and get the patient to the hospital in the shortest practical time.

Question 24

Other than personal safety equipment, which of the following should be the MOST readily accessible item in the back of an ambulance?

A. bleeding control supplies
B. pneumatic antishock garment (PASG) and traction splint
C. emergency childbirth kit
D. stethoscope and penlight

Answer 24

A. bleeding control supplies

Question 25

Minimum airway and ventilation equipment that should be carried on every ambulance include all of the following, EXCEPT:

A. mounted and portable suctioning units.
B. various sizes of oral and nasal airways.
C. adult and pediatric bag-mask devices.
D. Combitubes or laryngeal mask airways.

Answer 25

D. Combitubes or laryngeal mask airways.

Question 26

When driving an ambulance on a multilane highway in emergency mode, you should:

A. pass other drivers on the right side.

B. remain in the extreme left-hand lane.

C, remain in the extreme right-hand lane.

D. drive in the center lane of the highway.

Answer 26

B. remain in the extreme left-hand lane.

Question 27

Common activities that occur while you and your partner are en route to the scene of an emergency call include all of the following, EXCEPT:

A. assigning tasks to each member of the response team.

B. obtaining additional information from the dispatcher.

C. apprising the medical director of the nature of the call.

D. fastening your seatbelts before the ambulance departs.

Answer 27

C. apprising the medical director of the nature of the call.

Question 28

When parking your ambulance at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you should position the ambulance:

A. 50′ past the scene on the opposite side of the road.
B. 100′ passed the scene on the same side of the road.
C. alongside the scene to rapidly access the patient(s).
D. 50′ before the scene on the same side of the road.

Answer 28

B. 100′ passed the scene on the same side of the road.

Question 29

As soon as you leave the hospital and are en route back to your station, you should inform the dispatcher:

A. whether you are back in service.

B. that you are prepared for another call.

C. of the name of the accepting physician.

D. about the patient’s clinical condition.

Answer 29

A. whether you are back in service.

Question 30

It is 10:30 PM and you have requested air medical transport for a critically injured patient. When you arrive at the designated landing zone, you should:

A. mark the landing site using personnel with flashlights.
B. mark the proposed landing area with road flares.
C. provide the flight crew with a patient status update.
D. survey the area for power lines or other hazards.

Answer 30

D. survey the area for power lines or other hazards.

Question 31

Your unit and a fire department vehicle are responding to the scene of a patient in cardiac arrest. As you approach an intersection that is highly congested, you should:

A. Turn off your lights and siren and proceed with safety

B. Advised the fire department vehicle to follow you closely

C. Use a different tone than the fire department vehicle

D. as the fire Department vehicle to remain 1,000 feet behind you

Answer 31

C. Use a different tone than the fire department vehicle

Question 32

Characteristics of a safe ambulance operator include:

A. realizing that lights and siren will be effective traffic tools.
B. an offensive attitude about driving during an emergency call.
C. the ability to operate an ambulance at a high rate of speed.
D. a positive attitude about the ability to tolerate other drivers.

Answer 32

D. a positive attitude about the ability to tolerate other drivers.

Question 33

When transporting a patient who is secured to a backboard, it is important to:

A. place deceleration straps over the patient’s shoulders.
B. place a folded towel or blanket under his or her head.
C. use at least eight straps to secure the patient to the board.
D. routinely elevate the head of the backboard 12″.

Answer 33

A. place deceleration straps over the patient’s shoulders.

Question 34

Minimum staffing in the patient compartment of a basic life support (BLS) ambulance includes:

A. at least two EMTs.
B. an EMT and an AEMT.
C. an EMT and a paramedic.
D. at least one EMT.

Answer 34

D. at least one EMT.

Question 35

In general, medivac helicopters should be utilized when:

A. a patient has been in cardiac arrest for more than 15 minutes and has not responded to CPR and defibrillation.
B. ground transport would leave your service area without an ambulance for greater than 30 minutes.
C. ground transport to the hospital exceeds 30 to 45 minutes, even if the patient’s present condition is stable.
D. a patient has a time-dependent injury or illness and traffic conditions would cause a significant delay in definitive care.

Answer 35

D. a patient has a time-dependent injury or illness and traffic conditions would cause a significant delay in definitive care.

Question 36

The six-pointed Star of Life emblem identifies vehicles that:

A. are staffed by a minimum of one certified advanced EMT (AEMT).

B. meet federal specifications as licensed or certified ambulances.

C. are equipped with supplies to manage a mass-casualty situation.

D. have complied with state regulations for ambulance certification.

Answer 36

B. meet federal specifications as licensed or certified ambulances.

Question 37

Upon returning to your station following a run, you should disinfect the ambulance as needed. Disinfection is MOST accurately defined as:

A. removing dirt, dust, blood, or other grossly visible contaminants.
B. destroying pathogenic agents by using potent disinfection means.
C. killing pathogenic agents with a chemical made for that purpose.
D. using heat as a means of removing all microbial contaminants.

Answer 37

C. killing pathogenic agents with a chemical made for that purpose.

Question 38

When a helicopter must land on a grade (uneven ground), you should:

A. attempt to approach the aircraft from behind.
B. approach the aircraft from the uphill side.
C. approach the aircraft from the downhill side.
D. move the patient to the aircraft as soon as it lands.

Answer 38

C. approach the aircraft from the downhill side.

Question 39

After assessing your patient, you determine that his condition is stable. You provide the appropriate treatment and then load him into the ambulance. While en route to the hospital, you should:

A. use your lights and siren but drive slowly and defensively.
B. turn your emergency lights off and obey all traffic laws.
C. drive slowly and remain in the far left-hand lane, if possible.
D. keep your emergency lights on but avoid using the siren.

Answer 39

B. turn your emergency lights off and obey all traffic laws.

Question 40

When working at the scene of a motor vehicle crash at night, you should NOT use:

A. road flares.

B. reflective vests.

C. portable floodlights.

D. intermittent flashing devices.

Answer 40

A. road flares.

Question 41

When arriving at the scene of an overturned tractor-trailer rig, you note that a green cloud is being emitted from the crashed vehicle. The driver is still in the truck; he is conscious but bleeding profusely from the head. After notifying the hazardous materials team, you should:

Select one:

a. ask the driver to exit the vehicle
b. position the ambulance upwind
c. quickly gain access to the patient
d. park downhill from the scene

Answer 41

b. position the ambulance upwind

Question 42

You respond to a multiple-vehicle collision. You and your partner are reviewing dispatch information en route to the scene. You will be at a major intersection of two state highways. As you approach the scene, you review the guidelines for sizing up the scene. The guidelines include:

A. Looking for safety hazards new

B. Evaluating the need for additional units or other assistance

C. Evaluating the need to stabilize the spine

D. All of these answers are correct

Answer 42

D. All of these answers are correct

Question 43

For many decades after 1900, a(n) _______ was the vehicle that was most often used as an ambulance.

Answer 43

hearse

Question 44

You are requested out to County Road 93 for a vehicle collision at a rural area known for serious crashes. After driving with lights and sirens for nearly 20 minutes to reach the scene, you arrive at the intersection at the east end of the county. As you pull up, you see two pickup trucks crushed into a mass of twisted, smoking metal. A sheriff’s deputy is shouting and waving you over to the passenger side door of one of the demolished trucks. You quickly look down all four roads leading to the scene and note that they are deserted as far as you can see. How would you ensure the proper control of traffic around this scene?

A. Ask the law enforcement officer to control any traffic

B. Full completely off the road and leave your red emergency lights flashing

C. Put out flares in a pattern that leads other vehicles around the involved vehicles

D. Because the roads were deserted when you arrived, it is not a priority

Answer 44

A. Ask the law enforcement officer to control any traffic

Question 45

When driving with lights and siren, you are _____ that drivers yield the right-of-way.

A. Requesting

B. Demanding

C. Offering

D. None of these are correct

Answer 45

A. Requesting

Question 46

The main objective of traffic control at the scene of a motor vehicle crash is to:

Select one:

a. prevent curious onlookers from observing the scene
b. get oncoming traffic past the scene as soon as possible
c. warn oncoming traffic and prevent another crash
d. facilitate a route for the media to access the scene

Answer 46

c. warn oncoming traffic and prevent another crash

Question 47

Upon arriving at the scene of a major motor vehicle crash at night, you find that the safest place to park your ambulance is in a direction that is facing oncoming traffic. You should:

Select one:

a. quickly access the patient
b. place a flare near the crash
c. turn your headlights off
d. turn all warning lights off

Answer 47

c. turn your headlights off

Question 48

A disposable oxygen humidifier should be considered for ambulance services that often transport patients for ___ hour(s) or more.

Select one:

a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4

Answer 48

a. 1

Question 49

Which of the following statements regarding the use of the warning lights and siren on the ambulance is correct?

A. If it is necessary to use the siren, you should tell the patient beforehand.
B. If the patient is stable, you may use the warning lights without the siren.
C. Warning lights and siren should be avoided, even if the patient is unstable.
D. It is generally acceptable to increase your speed if lights and siren are in use.

Answer 49

A. If it is necessary to use the siren, you should tell the patient beforehand.

Question 50

You are en route to an emergency call when you approach a slow-moving vehicle on a two-way road. You can see oncoming traffic in the other lane. The driver has his windows up and does not realize that you are behind him. You should:

A. use your public address (PA) system to alert the driver.
B. quickly pass the vehicle on the left side.
C. pass the driver on the right-hand shoulder.
D. remain at a safe distance until it is safe to pass.

Answer 50

D. remain at a safe distance until it is safe to pass.

Question 51

If you properly assess and stabilize a patient at the scene, driving to the hospital with excessive speed:

A. is allowable according to state law.
B. will decrease the driver’s reaction time.
C. is often necessary if the patient is critical.
D. increases the patient’s chance for survival.

Answer 51

B. will decrease the driver’s reaction time.

Question 52

What is the minimum size of a helicopter landing zone?

Answer 52

60x60

Question 53

What should you do to properly position patient if you do not have a CPR board?

Answer 53

use a short or long board rolled up towel to raise shoulders

Question 54

A portable oxygen cylinder should have a capacity of a minimum of ______ of oxygen.

A. 250 L
B. 500 L
C. 750 L

D. 850L

Answer 54

B. 500 L

Question 55

When being tailgated by another vehicle while responding to an emergency call, you should:

A. slow down and allow the driver to pass you.
B. increase your speed to create more distance.
C. slam on the brakes to frighten the tailgater.
D. stop the ambulance and confront the driver.

Answer 55

A. slow down and allow the driver to pass you

Question 56

When approaching a helicopter, whether the rotor blades are moving or not, you should:

A. Approach the aircraft from the side because this will make it easier for you to access the aircraft doors
B. Carefully approach the aircraft from the rear unless a crew member instructs you to do otherwise
C. Never duck under the body or the tail boom because the pilot cannot see you in these areas
D. Remember that the main rotor blade is flexible and can dip as low as 5’ or 6’ from the ground

Answer 56

C. Never duck under the body or the tail boom because the pilot cannot see you in these areas

Question 57

Portable and mounted suction units must be powerful enough to generate a vacuum of at least ____ mm Hg when the tubing is clamped.

A. 100
B. 200
C. 300
D. 400

Answer 57

C. 300

Question 58

You are dispatched to a residence for a patient with chest pain; however, you are unfamiliar with the address and cannot find the location in your map book. A nearby police officer radios you and tells you that he knows how to get to the scene. You should:

A. ask the dispatcher to call the residence and obtain driving directions.
B. turn off your lights and carefully follow the police officer to the scene.
C. follow the police officer in emergency mode until you get near the scene.
D. keep your lights on and ask the police officer to guide you to the scene.

Answer 58

B. turn off your lights and carefully follow the police officer to the scene.

Question 59

A folding or portable stretcher is MOST beneficial when:

Answer 59

a second patient must be transported on the squad bench of the ambulance.

Question 60

Upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you find a single patient still seated in his car. There are no scene hazards. As you approach the vehicle, you note that the patient is semiconscious and has a large laceration to his forehead. You should:

Answer 60

direct your partner to apply manual in-line support of the patient’s head.

Question 61

It is essential that you ____________ your equipment to prevent the spread of disease.

Answer 61

decontaminate

Question 62

Delivering a patient to the hospital involves all of the following activities, EXCEPT:

A. completing a detailed written report.
B. informing the dispatcher of your arrival.
C. restocking any disposable items you used.
D. giving a verbal report to the triage clerk.

Answer 62

D. giving a verbal report to the triage clerk.

Question 63

Which of the following items would MOST likely require special protocols in order to be carried on the ambulance?

A. Pneumatic anti-shock garment
B. Pediatric nonrebreathing masks
C. Automated external defibrillator
D. Devices for restraining a patient

Answer 63

A. Pneumatic anti-shock garment

Question 64

Regardless of where portable and mounted oxygen cylinders are stored in the ambulance, they must:

A. undergo hydrostatic testing on a weekly basis.
B. hold a minimum capacity of 1,500 L of oxygen.
C. be easily identifiable by their bright green color.
D. be capable of delivering oxygen at 1 to 15 L/min.

Answer 64

D. be capable of delivering oxygen at 1 to 15 L/min.

Question 65

Typically medivac helicopters fly between:

A. 100 and 120 mph

B. 130 and 150 mph

C. 150 and 200 mph

D. 120 and 140 mph

Answer 65

B. 130 and 150 mph

Question 66

If hydroplaning of the ambulance occurs, the driver should:

A. slowly move the steering wheel back and forth.
B. gradually slow down without jamming on the brakes.
C. slowly pump the brakes until he or she regains vehicle control.
D. quickly jerk the steering wheel.

Answer 66

B. gradually slow down without jamming on the brakes.

Question 67

Aggressive ambulance driving may have a negative effect on other motorists because

A. they may become enraged and attempt to run you off the road.
B. they move to the right or drive as close to the curb as possible.
C. it may not allow for their reaction time to respond to your vehicle
D. they often freeze when they see the lights in the rearview mirror.

Answer 67

C. it may not allow for their reaction time to respond to your vehicle

Question 68

The purpose of a Jump Kit is to?

A. facilitate defibrillation within 5 minutes after making patient contact.
B. manage a critically injured patient until he or she is loaded into the ambulance.
C. carry advanced life support equipment approved by the EMS medical director.
D. contain anything that you might need during the first 5 minutes of patient care.

Answer 68

D. contain anything that you might need during the first 5 minutes of patient care.

Question 69

Vehicle that is used for treating and transporting patients who need emergency medical care to a hospital

Answer 69

ambulance

Question 70

Vehicles that respond initially to the scene with personnel and equipment to treat the sick and injured until an ambulance can arrive

Answer 70

first responder vehicles

Question 71

Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters that have been modified for medical care; used to evacuate and transport patients with life-threatening injuries to treatment facilities

Answer 71

Air Ambulances

Question 72

A process, such as heating, that removes microbial contamination

Answer 72

sterilization

Question 73

The ambulance inspection should include checks of:

A Fuel level

B. Brake fluid

C. Wheels and tires

D. All of these are correct

Answer 73

D. All of these are correct

Question 74

An ambulance call has _____ phases/

Answer 74

9

Question 75

A(n) ________ provides a firm surface under the patient’s torso so that you can give effective chest compressions.

Answer 75

CPR board