Chapter 42
Which of the following actions is recommended when driving in fog? A. Keep your headlights on, using high beams. B. Be prepared for drivers in front of you to make sudden stops. C. Keep one foot on the brake pedal at all times. D. Turn on the air conditioning unit to keep the windshield clear.
be prepared for drivers in front of you to make sudden stops
Although you may encounter an intoxicated driver at any time of day, during which time period should you be particularly alert to indications that the driver of another vehicle is intoxicated? A. 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. B. 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. C. 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. D. 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
11p to 3a
How far ahead of the vehicle can low-beam headlights illuminate the road? A. 150 feet B. 100 feet C. 200 feet D. 50 feet
150 feet
Which of these solutions is used for low-level disinfection? A. Hydrogen peroxide B. Soap and water C. Isopropyl alcohol D. 1:100 bleach solution
1:100 bleach solution
When driving at night with high-beam headlights, at what distance should you switch to low beams for an approaching vehicle? A. 150 feet B. 300 feet C. 1,000 feet D. 500 feet
500 feet
With worn tires, what is the lowest speed at which you should anticipate hydroplaning with wet road conditions? A. Ambulances are too heavy to hydroplane, regardless of speed or tire condition B. 50 mph for Type I and III ambulances, 45 mph for Type II ambulances C. 35 mph for any vehicle D. 50 mph for heavy-duty ambulances, 45 mph for other types of ambulances
35mph for any vehicle
When you are driving 55 mph at night with your high-beam headlights on, how many seconds does that allow you to see ahead? A. 6 seconds B. 4.5 seconds C. 10 to 12 seconds D. 15 seconds
4.5 seconds
Which of these figures represents the increase in stopping distance while driving on ice or sleet? A. Seven times B. Five times C. Three times D. Two times
5 times
Using the analogy of a clock face, where should you position your hands on the steering wheel when driving an ambulance? A. Left hand at 8:00 and right hand at 4:00. B. Left hand at 9:00 and right hand at 3:00. C. Left hand at 10:00 and right hand at 4:00. D. Left hand at 1:00 and right hand at 11:00.
9 and 3
Which of the following is a core element for establishing a culture of safety? A. Current culture B. Reduction of safety standards C. Limited reporting and investigation D. EMS education initiatives
EMS education initiatives
Which of the following is a guideline established by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians to ensure safety and security measures? A. Vehicles should only be left running while at a hospital. B. Security briefings should occur at the end of each shift. C. Management should develop operational security measures. D. EMS vehicles should be tracked.
EMS vehicles should be tracked
Which of these is a common cause of ambulance-involved intersection collisions? A. A motorist has the green light, does not see or hear you, and enters the intersection, colliding with you. B. A motorist enters the intersection on the yellow light to attempt to beat the red light. C. Two emergency vehicles responding to the same call meet at an intersection and collide with each other. D. A motorist collides with another vehicle while attempting to get out of your way.
a motorist enters the intersection on the yellow light to attempt to beat the red light
Which feature of personnel identification badges is encouraged to deter impersonation of EMS personnel? A. A photo of the employee on the identification badge B. The employee's social security number should be on the identification badge C. The identification badge should have a Star of Life on it D. The identification badge should be laminated
a photo of the employee on the identification badge
Which of the following is a basic guideline for safe driving? A. Wearing a seat belt except when you are in the back of the ambulance. B. Simultaneously driving and operating the radio. C. Adjusting your speed to allow for decreased visibility at night or in fog. D. Selecting the shortest route of travel.
adjusting your speed to allow for decreased visibility at night or in fog
Which of these is LEAST likely to result in an emergency vehicle collision at an intersection? A. Two emergency vehicles approaching the intersection at the same time. B. Vehicles obstructing your view of the pedestrian crosswalk. C. An ambulance coming to a full stop before entering the intersection on a yellow light. D. A vehicle entering the intersection on the yellow light.
an ambulance coming to a full stop before entering the intersection on a yellow light
You are on the scene of a motor vehicle collision and must look for an area to land a medical helicopter. Which option would be the best choice? A. A flat, sloped square area 40 times 40 feet free of debris B. A small, flat, concrete lot with light posts on all sides C. A level and well-maintained parking lot that remains half-filled with cars D. An open field that is level and preferably 150 feet from the accident
an open field that is level and preferably 150 feet from the accidnet
You are driving an ambulance with antilock brakes. A deer darts out in front of the ambulance. Your most appropriate action would be to: A. Apply the brakes for 3 seconds, and then release B. Swerve into the opposite lane C. Gently pump the brakes D. Apply constant and firm pressure to the brakes
apply constant and firm pressure to the brakes
Which of these actions must be AVOIDED when assisting at a medical helicopter landing zone? A. Approach the helicopter from the front. B. Approach the helicopter from the uphill side of the landing zone. C. Direct the pilot to land the aircraft facing into the wind. D. Wait to approach until directed to do so by the pilot.
approach the helicopter from the uphill side of the landing zone
Which of the following is an appropriate use of an escort during emergency driving? A. When the need for law enforcement at the scene is anticipated. B. When transporting a government official, foreign dignitary, or celebrity. C. As a last resort in cases where you are not familiar with the location of the call or hospital. D. When the patient you are transporting is under arrest.
as a last resort in cases where you are not familiar with the location of the call or hospital
As an instructor for safe ambulance operations, which statement should you make to new EMTs about responding with lights and sirens through curves in the road? A. "To be safe, maintain a steady speed through the entire curve." B. "It is best to start braking after entering the curve." C. "It is easier to control the ambulance when you accelerate just before entering the curve." D. "At night, turn your high beams off prior to entering the curve."
at night, turn your high beams off prior to entering the curve
You are performing a "stand-by" along with the fire department at a local county fair. Since it is fall and the temperature is cool, the emergency crews are sitting in their ambulances. Given this situation, what would contribute to an increase in the carbon monoxide levels in your ambulance? A. Having an exhaust system that discharges beyond the side of the ambulance B. Having had the ambulance tuned-up a week prior C. Being parked too close to a fire engine that is also running D. Keeping the heater running while you are inside the ambulance
being parked too close to a fire engine that is also running
At the end of a long day of doing "stand-by" duty at a county fair, you find that you have a headache and you are nauseous. You also feel very tired and you are yawning excessivelylong dashwhich is unusual since you slept well last night and you had no emergency calls during the 12-hour shift. All you really did was sit in the ambulance with the engine running as the temperature outside was cool. In actuality, you may be suffering from: A. A low blood sugar level B. Carbon dioxide poisoning C. Carbon monoxide poisoning D. Nitrogen narcosis
carbon monoxide poisoning
Which of these is done during the daily vehicle inspection? A. Checking door closing and latching mechanisms. B. Rotating the tires. C. Changing the oil. D. Using a diagnostic code reader to detect mechanical problems.
checking door closing and latching mechanisms
Which of these is included in the daily inspection of the ambulance? A. Changing the engine oil. B. Checking the turn signals. C. Recharging the fire extinguishers. D. Rotating the tires.
checking the turn signals
Which class of garment is designed for traffic moving at 25 miles per hour or faster? A. Class 3 B. Class 2 C. Class 1 D. Class 4
class 2
Which of the following safety garments should be worn by workers who are at serious risk and whose attention is diverted from the roadway? A. Class 4 B. Class 3 C. Class 2 D. Class 1
class 3
What is a key to eliminating misunderstandings that lead to mistakes? A. Traditional management B. Current culture C. Two-leg communication D. Communication
communication
At the scene of a motor vehicle collision, a police car or fire vehicle should be parked to A. create a physical barrier between traffic and your ambulance B. ahead of the collision site to avoid blocking traffic C. immediately behind the vehicle where your patients are to block the view of those driving by D. in the median or off the side of the road
create a physical barrier between traffic and your ambulance
According to crew resource management, the team leader should: A. use open-loop communication. B. rely on team members to maintain situation awareness. C. communicate with team members based on rank. D. create an action plan.
create an action plan
Which of the following creates a climate in which it is okay to respectfully question authority when what is happening is less effective than what should be happening? A. Incident management system B. Crew resource management C. Hierarchy management D. Paramilitary management
crew resource management
In which of the following road conditions is it recommended that you use high-beam headlights? A. Mist or rain B. Dense fog C. Heavy smoke or dust storm D. Dark conditions with little traffic
dark conditions with little traffic
Which of these climate-control options will help keep your windshield free of condensation in foggy conditions? A. Keep the windows down B. Air conditioning C. Defroster D. Direct heat toward the floor, only
defroster
Which of these is allowed of EMTs driving an emergency ambulance in MOST states? A. Proceed through a red light without slowing. B. Pass other vehicles on the right side. C. Travel 10 miles an hour over the posted speed limit in the nonemergency mode. D. Drive the wrong way down a one-way street.
drive the wrong way down a one way street
Which of these actions will improve your control of a vehicle at higher speeds? A. Use a higher gear when going down a long hill. B. Brake after you enter a curve to slow down to a safe speed. C. Quickly accelerate as you leave a curve. D. Enter a curve at the outside, and start turning as early as possible.
enter a curve at the outside, and start turning as early as possible
Which of the following is a disadvantage of air medical transport? A. Access B. Limited skills C. Time D. Expense
expense
How can you help prevent the entrance of carbon monoxide from the ambulance exhaust into the unit? A. Do not operate the unit in heavy traffic B. Keep operating generators away from the ambulance C. Use exhaust fans D. Extend the exhaust and leave the rear windows closed
extend the exhaust and leave the rear windows closed
Which of these actions should be taken to maintain control of the ambulance if you must enter an area of standing water? A. Apply the parking brake slightly to avoid causing the rear wheels of the ambulance from locking up. B. Turn on the windshield wipers as soon as you exit the water. C. If you need to brake, pump gently on the brakes to avoid sliding. D. Brake hard as you enter the water.
if you need to brake, pump gently on the brakes to avoid sliding
You are approaching a collision in the southbound lanes of an interstate from the north. You see one of the vehicles in the median, and one of the vehicles parallel to it, across the right-hand lane. Which of these is the BEST place to park your vehicle at the scene? A. In the median, behind the vehicle B. On the berm or shoulder, behind the vehicle on the right C. In the safe zone of other blocking vehicles with loading area away from the closest lane of traffic D. Between the two vehicles
in the safe zone of other blocking vehicles with loading area away from the closest lane of traffic
Which of the following is a benefit of crew resource management? A. Increases situation awareness B. Ranks the value of each team member C. Improves the safety of dispatchers D. Reinforces the hierarchy structure
increases situation awareness
Which of the following has been shown to be an effect on emergency vehicle drivers as a result of using the siren while driving? A. Loss of 15 degrees of peripheral vision B. Increasing their driving speed C. Decreased recall of events associated with the call D. Experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder
increasing their driving speed
According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, which of the following is an acceptable form of security briefing? A. Text messages B. Web postings C. Radio messages D. Information sheets
information sheets
The medical director for EMS is discussing accountability and reporting mistakes without fear of retribution. Which term best describes this concept? A. Just culture B. Crew resource management C. Education initiatives D. Safety data system
just culture
Which of these measures should be taken to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in ambulances? A. Keep the heater or air conditioner on. B. Always drive with the rear windows partially open. C. Use ventilation exhaust fans or static roof vents. D. Have an exhaust system that discharges to the side of the vehicle.
keep the heater or air conditioner on
How can the EMT lower the risk of CO poisoning in older ambulances that are still in service? A. Open one of the rear windows a bit to draft in fresh air. B. Do not use the air-conditioner or heater in the back. C. Keep the windows shut in the patient compartment. D. Shut the window or door that separates the cab from the patient compartment.
keep the windows shut in the patient compartment
Concerning traffic congestion, which of these situations should you MOST anticipate? A. Decreased traffic in urban areas on Monday mornings. B. More traffic to and from resort areas on Fridays and Sundays. C. Increased traffic around malls and shopping centers on weekday mornings. D. Increased traffic in urban areas during weekend days.
more traffic to and from resort areas on fridays and sundays
Which of these guidelines should you follow for safety at roadway incidents? A. Park so that the loading doors are toward oncoming traffic. B. Wear a uniform that has a reflective strip across the back of the shirt and down the outside of each pant leg. C. Park with your headlights directed toward upstream traffic on nighttime calls. D. Never trust approaching traffic.
never trust approaching traffic
Which of these actions is taken first upon arriving at the receiving hospital facility? A. Leave the ED as soon as you have turned your patient over to the staff so you are available for another call. B. Notify dispatch of your arrival and make an official transfer of care to an appropriate health care provider at the facility. C. Complete your written report and leave a copy at the emergency department before you go. D. Report back in service as soon as you reach the facility.
notify dispatch of your arrival and make an official transfer of care to an appropriate health care provider at the facility
What is the estimated proportion of vehicle fatalities that occur at night? A. Two-thirds B. One-quarter C. One-third D. One-half
one half
Which of these concepts should you always keep in mind when operating an emergency vehicle? A. Other drivers' reactions to lights and sirens can be unpredictable. B. It is permissible to use lights and sirens during nonemergency driving in order to facilitate returning to your station or posting. C. You should report any driver who does not yield to you while you are using lights and sirens. D. If a vehicle does not yield to your lights and sirens on a two-way street and there is oncoming traffic, pass the vehicle on the right.
other drivers' reactions to lights and sirens can be unpredictable
Which of these is an appropriate infection control measure to be taken at the completion of a call? A. Use high-level disinfection for all ambulances surfaces. B. Use gel hand sanitizer to clean your hands. C. Place soiled linens in an approved dirty linen bag or hamper. D. Place blood-saturated dressings and disposable items in regular hospital waste containers.
place soiled linens in an approved dirty linen bag or hamper
Which type of headlights is recommended to provide the BEST visibility for night driving? A. Incandescent B. Pencil-beam C. Quartz-halogen D. LED
quartz halogen
Which of these types of headlights should an ambulance have to allow the BEST visibility at night? A. Quartz-halogen B. Mercury vapor C. Incandescent D. LED
quartz-halogen
According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, prior to selling an ambulance to persons other than EMS organizations, the agency must: A. provide a mileage notification. B. perform brake maintenance. C. provide a collision report. D. remove EMS markings.
remove EMS markings
Which of these statements concerning braking while driving an ambulance is CORRECT? A. Pump the brake pedal when using antilock brakes. B. Rest your foot lightly on the brake pedal while decelerating to decrease your stopping distance. C. Apply steady, heavy pressure to the brake pedal in vehicles without antilock brakes. D. Begin to brake about halfway through a curve.
rest your foot lightly on the brake pedal while decelerating to decrease your stopping distance
Which of these guidelines should you adhere to when setting up a landing zone for a small helicopter at night? A. Select an area that is a flat square with 100-foot sides. B. Keep spectators 50 to 100 feet from the landing zone. C. Make sure the landing zone is 50 to 75 feet from crashed vehicles. D. Direct a beam of light upward to help the pilot find the area.
select an area that is a flat square with 100-foot sides
Prior to passing while driving an ambulance in an emergency, you should first: A. slow down. B. flash your headlights. C. signal. D. speed up.
signal
There are _____ core elements for advancing a culture of safety. A. five B. six C. four D. three
six
If an EMT is concerned that exhaust fumes may be entering the patient compartment of an ambulance, what would be a simple test to perform to determine whether any leaks exist around the doors or windows? A. Place a room humidifier in the back of the ambulance. If the water vapor will not cling to the walls or ceilings, then carbon monoxide is present. B. Spray the doors and windows with a high-pressure water stream from a hose. C. Light a match in the back of the ambulance to see whether there is enough oxygen to support combustion. D. Sit in the back of the ambulance with a CO oximetry device applied to your finger and interpret the level of CO found in your body.
spray the doors and windows with a high-pressure water stream from a hose
Which of the following is accurate regarding emergency vehicle operation? A. Every jurisdiction allows for driving on the wrong side of the road. B. Statutes vary by state. C. It is regulated by the federal government. D. There is no need to stop at a red light.
statutes vary by state
Which of these is a proper infection control measure? A. Using intermediate-level disinfection for reusable instruments that come into contact with mucous membranes. B. Sterilizing equipment that will be used invasively. C. The use of high-level disinfection for routine housekeeping on surfaces such as floors and ambulance seats. D. The use of simple cleaning for surfaces that come in contact with intact skin, such as stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs.
sterilizing equipment that will be used invasively
While responding to an emergency call, what should you do if you encounter a school bus unloading students with its red lights flashing? A. Slow down and carefully proceed past the school bus B. Continue responding as you were, since you have the right of way C. Stop and determine an alternative route to the emergency D. Stop and wait for all children to cross the road safely
stop and wait for all children to cross the road safely
Which statement is true regarding driving in inclement weather? A. Roadways typically freeze over sooner than do bridges and overpasses B. Roads are most hazardous in terms of traction near the end of a rainstorm C. It is best to accelerate when attempting to drive through a large standing puddle D. Stopping on wet pavement takes approximately twice the distance as stopping on dry pavement
stopping on wet pavement takes approximately twice the distance as stopping on dry pavement
What would cause you to start transporting a critically injured patient to a local hospital (not equipped for major trauma) instead of waiting on a helicopter for rapid transport to a trauma center 50 miles away? A. The patient's statement that he cannot afford the cost of a trauma center B. A request by the family to go to the local hospital C. A sudden drop in patient's pulse oximeter reading while you are providing supplemental oxygen D. The beginning of lightning and poor weather conditions
the beginning of lightning and poor weather conditions
Which of the following is a legitimate reason for requesting air medical transport of a critical patient? A. The facility capable of caring for the patient is 45 minutes away by ground. B. You do not feel comfortable with critical patients. C. The patient has health care insurance that will pay for air medical transport. D. The weather is too bad for ground transportation.
the facility capable of caring for the patient is 45 minutes away by ground
When driving in winter weather, which of these safety guidelines should you keep in mind? A. Heavily traveled surfaces freeze before side roads. B. Tire chains best minimize skidding. C. If the vehicle begins to skid, turn the wheel toward the direction the front of the vehicle is skidding. D. Maintaining highway speeds best prevents hydroplaning.
tire chains best minimize skidding
Which of these statements BEST explains the rationale for performing daily vehicle maintenance and following a routine maintenance schedule? A. To maintain the validity of the vehicle's warranty B. To increase patient safety and efficiency of response and transport C. Lowered liability insurance rates for your employer D. To avoid disciplinary action and maximize chances of merit raises
to increase patient safety and efficiency of response and transport
Most states allow the emergency vehicle operator to: A. pass other emergency vehicles. B. pass in a no-passing zone on a curve. C. turn in any direction at an intersection. D. proceed quickly through red traffic signals.
turn in any direction at an intersection
By which of the following figures is stopping time increased on wet pavement? A. Four times B. Three times C. Five times D. Two times
two times
Which of these actions should you take when selecting a place to park the ambulance at the scene of a roadway incident? A. Park downwind of any vehicle that is smoking, emitting vapors, or leaking liquid. B. Seek a volunteer bystander to stand between the scene and oncoming traffic to redirect traffic. C. Use all available warning lights, scene lights, and headlights when working at night. D. Upon initial arrival at the scene, use law enforcement or firefighting vehicles to slowdown and redirect traffic.
upon initial arrival at the scene, use law enforcement or firefighting vehicles to slowdown and redirect traffic
Which of these methods BEST describes the proper care of a soiled uniform? A. Wash for two heavy-duty wash cycles in hot water with one cup of chlorine bleach and the recommended amount of laundry detergent. B. Wash the uniform according to its label instructions. C. Wash in any temperature water, using chlorine bleach with laundry detergent. Do not use fabric softener. Dry on very high heat for a minimum of 60 minutes. D. Add a hospital-grade disinfectant to a cold-water wash with your regular laundry detergent and fabric softener.
wash the uniform according to its label instructions
Which of the following actions is CORRECT when you are assigned to assist with a medical helicopter landing at a scene? A. Mark the landing zone with spotlights aimed upward. B. Always approach the aircraft from the tail rotor. C. Allow a vertical height of at least 6 feet to safely approach under the main rotor. D. Wear eye and hearing protection.
wear eye and hearing protection
Which of the following information is NOT part of the information provided when a call is dispatched? A. Weather conditions B. Location of the call C. Nature of the problem D. Time of the call
weather conditions
Which color emergency light is visible at the greatest distance? A. White B. Yellow C. Red D. Blue
white