Chapter 53: Crime Scene

Question 1

Violence against EMS personnel is not uncommon in rural areas, especially because:
A) many people who live in rural areas are at a low economic level.
B) rural areas tend to attract convicted felons who prefer to be alone.
C) elderly people living in rural areas often have at least one weapon.
D) paramedics often arrive at the scene long before law enforcement.

Answer 1

D) paramedics often arrive at the scene long before law enforcement.

Question 2

If a violent person directs his or her aggression at you:
A) it may be because your uniform resembles a police officer’s.
B) it would be appropriate to immediately retaliate with deadly force.
C) you should slowly approach the person and talk calmly to him or her.
D) under no circumstances should you defend yourself with physical force.

Answer 2

A) it may be because your uniform resembles a police officer’s.

Question 3

Which of the following statements regarding body armor is correct?
A) Soft body armor offers six levels of protection and will stop a bullet fired from any weapon.
B) Sound survival skills to avoid dangerous situations provide more protection than body armor.
C) Federal regulations mandate that EMS providers working in urban areas are provided body armor.
D) Body armor effectively protects your neck, which is a common target for someone who tries to kill you.

Answer 3

B) Sound survival skills to avoid dangerous situations provide more protection than body armor.

Question 4

All of the following are indicators of the potential for violence, EXCEPT:
A) the use of profanity.
B) a large body build.
C) clenching of the fists.
D) uncontrollable pacing.

Answer 4

B) a large body build.

Question 5

How should you position your ambulance upon arriving at the scene of a victim who was found slumped over the steering wheel of his car?
A) More than 25 feet past the parked vehicle, with the rear load lights of the ambulance turned off
B) To the immediate right side of the parked vehicle, with the left side ambulance box lights on
C) At least 21 feet behind the parked vehicle, at a 10° angle to the driver’s side, facing the shoulder
D) No more than 15 feet beyond the parked vehicle, with the steering wheel turned fully to the right

Answer 5

C) At least 21 feet behind the parked vehicle, at a 10° angle to the driver’s side, facing the shoulder

Question 6

Upon arriving at the scene of a patient who is reportedly unconscious in his or her parked vehicle, you should:
A) notify the dispatcher of your location and the number and state of the vehicle’s license plate.
B) turn your ambulance’s headlights off so that you are less visible if the patient is really conscious.
C) write down your physical location and the time on a piece of paper and leave it in the ambulance.
D) use the public address system on your ambulance’s radio and ask the patient to raise his or her hand.

Answer 6

A) notify the dispatcher of your location and the number and state of the vehicle’s license plate.

Question 7

When approaching a parked vehicle that is occupied by an apparently sick person, you should:
A) stop at the left rear of the vehicle first and firmly tug on the hood to determine if it is closed.
B) immediately retreat to your ambulance if you see an object such as a baseball bat inside the vehicle.
C) position yourself in front of the vehicle’s B column if there are any people in the rear seat of the vehicle.
D) determine how many people are in the vehicle, paying particular attention to the location of their hands.

Answer 7

D) determine how many people are in the vehicle, paying particular attention to the location of their hands.

Question 8

After you have safely approached a parked vehicle and are ready to alert the apparently ill driver of your presence, you should:
A) carefully open the left rear door and tap the patient’s shoulder.
B) remain at the left rear of the vehicle and firmly tap on the trunk.
C) do so without moving past the B column into the driver’s door area.
D) position yourself in front of the side view mirror and tap on the glass.

Answer 8

C) do so without moving past the B column into the driver’s door area.

Question 9

When approaching a van at night to determine if the driver, who is reportedly unconscious, is in need of medical assistance, you should:
A) keep your flashlight turned off as you move along the left side of the van.
B) move 10 to 15 feet away from the passenger side and walk parallel to the van.
C) approach the passenger side door, belly toward the van, and knock on the door.
D) stay at least 5 feet away from the van until you are at a 45° angle to the A column.

Answer 9

B) move 10 to 15 feet away from the passenger side and walk parallel to the van.

Question 10

If your partner is injured while approaching a parked vehicle, you should:
A) drive the ambulance around your partner and ram the vehicle’s driver door.
B) back the ambulance away from the danger zone and request law enforcement.
C) wait for the vehicle to leave before exiting the ambulance to tend to your partner.
D) use the public address system to advise the perpetrator that the police are en route.

Answer 10

B) back the ambulance away from the danger zone and request law enforcement.

Question 11

Your EMS system’s standard procedure for responding to any call involving violence should be to:
A) allow law enforcement to secure the scene prior to your entry.
B) remain at your station until the scene has been deemed secure.
C) have your partner stay in the ambulance as you assess the scene.
D) respond with two ambulances in case there are multiple patients.

Answer 11

A) allow law enforcement to secure the scene prior to your entry.

Question 12

When arriving at a residence for any EMS call, you should make it a routine habit to:
A) leave your jump kit in the unit until you need it.
B) request that law enforcement respond to the scene.
C) knock on the rear door of the residence if possible.
D) pay attention and listen for loud, threatening voices.

Answer 12

D) pay attention and listen for loud, threatening voices.

Question 13

Which of the following is the safest method for preparing to enter a residence?
A) Remain on the hinge side of the door to minimize the resident’s view of you.
B) Position yourself in front of the door to shield your body if gunfire should break out.
C) Stand to the doorknob side of the door, knock, and announce that you are a paramedic.
D) Remain at least 20 feet from the door and loudly announce that you are there to help.

Answer 13

C) Stand to the doorknob side of the door, knock, and announce that you are a paramedic.

Question 14

If you unexpectedly find yourself in the middle of a domestic dispute, the situation would MOST likely deteriorate if you:
A) maintain eye contact.
B) use an authoritative voice.
C) show respect and courtesy.
D) speak with a calm tone of voice.

Answer 14

B) use an authoritative voice.

Question 15

One aspect of the technique of contact and cover involves:
A) one paramedic making contact with the patient to provide care while the second paramedic obtains patient information from another person while gauging his or her level of tension.
B) one paramedic trying to defuse the situation with a calm voice while the second paramedic discreetly returns to the ambulance to summon law enforcement personnel to the scene.
C) both paramedics providing emergency care to the patient while a law enforcement officer gathers information from another person and prevents the situation from escalating.
D) one paramedic assessing and providing care to the patient while the other paramedic physically blocks the view of the patient from an angry spouse to avoid escalating the potential for violence.

Answer 15

A) one paramedic making contact with the patient to provide care while the second paramedic obtains patient information from another person while gauging his or her level of tension.

Question 16

Which of the following statements regarding clandestine drug labs is correct?
A) Cocaine and heroin are the two most popular substances manufactured in clandestine drug labs.
B) If you unknowingly enter a clandestine drug lab, your priority is to quickly remove any patients.
C) Common chemicals found in a clandestine drug lab include distilled water, ibuprofen, and diphenhydramine.
D) Some drug producers use fragmentation and incendiary devices and animal traps to protect their operations.

Answer 16

D) Some drug producers use fragmentation and incendiary devices and animal traps to protect their operations.

Question 17

It is MOST important to consider a clandestine drug lab to be a(n):
A) crime scene.
B) illegal operation.
C) hazardous materials scene.
D) unsafe environment for children.

Answer 17

C) hazardous materials scene.

Question 18

Youths usually join a gang for all of the following reasons, EXCEPT:
A) respect.
B) belonging.
C) recognition.
D) a psychiatric illness.

Answer 18

D) a psychiatric illness.

Question 19

Reputation provides status for individual gang members and is gained by:
A) using illicit drugs.
B) committing crimes.
C) sporting gang colors.
D) disrespecting others.

Answer 19

B) committing crimes.

Question 20

Which of the following objects or locations would NOT provide adequate cover from gunfire?
A) Shrubbery
B) Dumpsters
C) Cars or trucks
D) Ground depressions

Answer 20

A) Shrubbery

Question 21

After concealing yourself and reassessing your position, you should:
A) distract the shooter.
B) visualize any patients.
C) seek adequate cover.
D) remain where you are.

Answer 21

C) seek adequate cover.

Question 22

Which of the following statements regarding hostage situations is correct?
A) The psychological effects of being held hostage are often of greater concern than physical problems.
B) If you are taken hostage, you should recall that most hostage situations only last about 30 to 45 minutes.
C) If you see the opportunity to disarm a person who is holding you and others hostage, you must act quickly.
D) If you are taken hostage, your job as a paramedic is to try to reason with the assailant to end the crisis.

Answer 22

A) The psychological effects of being held hostage are often of greater concern than physical problems.

Question 23

If you are taken hostage, it is MOST important to:
A) assure the captor that you are a paramedic and that you can help.
B) control the instinctive anger that occurs when you are physically abused.
C) take advantage of the fact that the captor is usually as surprised as you are.
D) consider the safety of any other hostages and communicate with your captor.

Answer 23

B) control the instinctive anger that occurs when you are physically abused.

Question 24

If you are under fire from a sniper who is on the roof of a building, and you are using a vehicle as cover, the MOST effective way of protecting yourself is to:
A) break out one of the side windows, crawl into the vehicle, and lie prone across the front seat.
B) position yourself next to the front wheel so that the engine block and tire can both protect you.
C) crawl under the vehicle, between the tires, but avoid the area of the vehicle near the gas tank.
D) crouch down between the wheels of the vehicle in order to make yourself as small a target as possible.

Answer 24

B) position yourself next to the front wheel so that the engine block and tire can both protect you.

Question 25

If your only protection from gunfire in a residence is behind a frame wall, you should:
A) attempt to locate a stud behind the wall and remain as close to that area as you possibly can.
B) crouch down at the base of the wall, with your hands protecting your head, and remain still.
C) recall that most walls have an interior frame that is metal and will afford you adequate protection.
D) stand near the door or window frame, which usually contain more wood than other areas of the wall.

Answer 25

D) stand near the door or window frame, which usually contain more wood than other areas of the wall.

Question 26

Which of the following statements regarding cover and concealment is correct?
A) If you feel that you are concealed adequately, do not attempt to find cover.
B) In rural areas, tall grass or a cornfield is the only effective concealment at night.
C) You have more options for concealment in the dark than during daylight hours.
D) Frequently change your locations of cover to minimize your risk of being shot.

Answer 26

C) You have more options for concealment in the dark than during daylight hours.

Question 27

If someone continues to intentionally block you from reaching a critically injured patient despite your initial request that he or she move, you should:
A) take a side step and state, “If you don’t get out of my way, I’m calling the police!”
B) slowly back away from the person, return to the ambulance, and notify the police.
C) use reasonable force to incapacitate the person so you can gain access to the patient.
D) abruptly step forward to make the person think you are going to move him or her.

Answer 27

A) take a side step and state, “If you don’t get out of my way, I’m calling the police!”

Question 28

The primary function of the tactical paramedic is to provide:
A) care for law enforcement teams who make entry into violent situations.
B) armed cover for SWAT teams who enter the scene of a mass shooting.
C) emergency medical treatment to hostages or those who are barricaded.
D) care for assailants who have been shot, stabbed, or otherwise injured.

Answer 28

A) care for law enforcement teams who make entry into violent situations.

Question 29

If you believe that your life is in imminent danger:
A) you will be unable to defend yourself legally if you use deadly force.
B) it is best to use deadly force instead of some type of evasive technique.
C) use just enough physical force to temporarily incapacitate the assailant.
D) any action that gets you out of the situation is a reasonable level of force.

Answer 29

D) any action that gets you out of the situation is a reasonable level of force.

Question 30

All of the following are examples of real or physical evidence, EXCEPT:
A) body materials at a crime scene.
B) oral documentation by a witness.
C) a knife that has fingerprints on it.
D) blood stains on a wall or window.

Answer 30

B) oral documentation by a witness.

Question 31

How can you BEST assist law enforcement at the scene of a crime involving a gunshot wound or stabbing?
A) Begin patient care after all evidence has been collected.
B) Examine an expended gun casing to identify the caliber.
C) Place any of the patient’s clothing you removed in a paper bag.
D) Collect blood on a 4-inch by 4-inch dressing and give it to the police.

Answer 31

C) Place any of the patient’s clothing you removed in a paper bag.

Question 32

Proper documentation of an incident in which a patient was injured during a crime should include all of the following, EXCEPT:
A) your estimate of when the injury occurred.
B) the position of the patient upon your arrival.
C) the disposition of any evidence at the scene.
D) any incriminating statements made by others.

Answer 32

A) your estimate of when the injury occurred.

Question 33

If you know common hand signs or slang used by gangs:
A) using such hand signs or slang will quickly build trust between you and a gang member.
B) you should take advantage of that knowledge to help communicate effectively with a gang member.
C) law enforcement may ask you to go undercover to “bust” a gang that is performing illegal activities.
D) it would be dangerous for you to use them around gang members because you are not a member of the group.

Answer 33

D) it would be dangerous for you to use them around gang members because you are not a member of the group.

Question 34

You receive a call to a residence in a rural area of your jurisdiction for a patient with an acute COPD exacerbation. Upon arriving at the scene, you knock on the door and identify yourself. The patient, an elderly-sounding man, tells you that you took too long to get to him and that he has a shotgun. You should:
A) look inside a nearby window to see if he really does have a gun.
B) immediately retreat to the ambulance and notify law enforcement.
C) advise the patient that you got to the scene as quickly as possible.
D) stay at a safe distance from the door and ask the man to walk outside.

Answer 34

B) immediately retreat to the ambulance and notify law enforcement.

Question 35

At 10:20 PM, you are dispatched for a woman reportedly slumped over the steering wheel of her car alongside the highway. Upon arriving at the scene, you should:
A) remain in the ambulance until law enforcement personnel arrive.
B) turn your ambulance headlights off to minimize your visibility.
C) slowly drive by the parked vehicle to confirm that it is occupied.
D) park your ambulance at least 21 feet behind the patient’s vehicle.

Answer 35

D) park your ambulance at least 21 feet behind the patient’s vehicle.

Question 36

Upon arriving at the scene of a woman with chest pain, you enter the residence and begin to assess the patient. The patient’s husband, who is angry because of your response time, is standing in the corner clenching his fists. You should:
A) tell the man that his behavior will not be tolerated.
B) quickly scan the area for the quickest escape route.
C) allow the patient to try to calm her husband down.
D) return to the ambulance and leave the scene at once.

Answer 36

B) quickly scan the area for the quickest escape route.

Question 37

You are dispatched to a recreational vehicle (RV) park for an unconscious patient. When you arrive at the scene, another resident of the park tells you that the patient, a young man, is in his RV and will not answer the door. After safely entering the RV, you find the patient lying supine near the rear of the vehicle. From a distance, you can tell that he is not breathing. As you approach him, you see several bottles of Sudafed, a container of camping fuel, and a variety of glass containers with an unknown liquid in them. What should you do?
A) Realize that you are in a methamphetamine drug lab, immediately exit the RV, and notify law enforcement personnel.
B) Suspect that the patient has ingested a variety of harmful chemicals, begin CPR, and request a backup team of paramedics.
C) Quickly remove the patient from the vehicle if it is safe to do so, begin CPR away from the RV, and ask the resident to call the police.
D) Assess for a carotid pulse, perform CPR for 2 minutes, assess the patient’s cardiac rhythm, and defibrillate one time if he is in a shockable rhythm.

Answer 37

C) Quickly remove the patient from the vehicle if it is safe to do so, begin CPR away from the RV, and ask the resident to call the police.

Question 38

You are at the scene of a drive-by shooting in which a 19-year-old man was shot in the chest. Law enforcement personnel are at the scene. The patient is conscious, has an actively bleeding entry wound to his left anterolateral chest, and is breathing with difficulty. You should:
A) provide only the amount of care needed to prevent his condition from deteriorating and quickly move him to the ambulance.
B) ask a police officer to stand near you with his weapon drawn as you provide emergency medical treatment to the patient.
C) immediately place the patient on a long backboard, quickly move him to the ambulance, and begin treating his injury.
D) return to your ambulance and wait there until a law enforcement official advises you that the perpetrator is nowhere to be found.

Answer 38

A) provide only the amount of care needed to prevent his condition from deteriorating and quickly move him to the ambulance.

Question 39

Upon entering the residence of a man with a supposed heart attack, you find that you have been taken hostage by a young man who has a deer rifle. He orders you to sit down in the corner of the room, where other people have been taken hostage as well. You should:
A) do as your captor orders, try to remain calm, and avoid doing anything to attract attention to yourself.
B) follow the orders of your captor, but try to pass by a window in an attempt to attract someone’s attention.
C) attempt to negotiate with the captor, and tell him that he can keep you hostage if he releases the other people.
D) move slowly to your ordered location, wait for the captor to turn his back, and swiftly attempt to subdue and disarm him.

Question 40

While interviewing a severely depressed man, the patient suddenly lunges at you with his hands. It is not known if the patient has any weapons. Your MOST appropriate action should be to:
A) strike the patient in the face with your metal clipboard and leave the scene.
B) quickly move back until you are out of the man’s reach, and then subdue him.
C) block his hands with your arm and strike him in the face with your closed fist.
D) throw your patient care form directly at the patient’s nose and egress rapidly.

Answer 40

D) throw your patient care form directly at the patient’s nose and egress rapidly.