EMT Exam Questions

SARS​ cross-contamination from the patient to the provider can be reduced if the EMT takes the precaution of​ donning: A. ​gloves, wearing a surgical​ mask, and hand washing B. gloves and eye protection. C. gloves only. D. ​gloves, using eye​ protection, and wearing a surgical mask.

​D. gloves, using eye​ protection, and wearing a surgical mask.

How often should the EMT have a purified protein derivative​ (PPD) tuberculin test​ done? A. Every 18 months B. Every 6 months C. Every 24 months D. Every 12 months

D. Every 12 months

The warning signs of stress​ include: A. increased appetite. B. intense concentration on work. C. the need for interaction with family and friends. D. loss of sexual desire or interest.

D. loss of sexual desire or interest.

The EMT gains the authority to render care from​ the: A. base hospital. B. NHTSA. C. supervisor. D. medical director.

D. medical director.

In which one of the following situations should the emergency medical technician​ (EMT) call for law enforcement​ assistance? A. A patient is involved in a domestic dispute. B. A patient is experiencing anxiety. C. A patient is angry. D. A patient is under the influence of drugs.

A. A patient is involved in a domestic dispute.

A wife has just learned of the death of her husband. She begins to scream and cry. She​ states, "Why​ me?" This best describes which stage of​ grief? A. Anger B. Bargaining C. Acceptance D. Denial

A. Anger

Which of these activities would carry the highest risk of patient injury if the EMT were to perform it​ incorrectly? A. Carrying and moving patients B. Providing spinal immobilization C. Conducting a patient history D. Taking vital signs

A. Carrying and moving patients

When documenting the​ patient's history, the EMT mixed up the​ patient's medications with medications to which she is allergic. What type of patient safety error is​ this? A. Communication error B. Inappropriate care error C. Failure to follow through error D. Handoff error

A. Communication error

What is the BEST way to get your family and friends to understand the nature of your​ work? A. Encourage them to ask questions and explain to them how you feel about what you do. B. Tell them every day that you love saving​ lives, and if they do not understand​ that, then​ you'll have to move out. C. Understand that those in EMS do not often understand​ EMS, and as​ such, trying to explain it is useless. D. Realize they will never understand what you​ do, but realize after time they will just learn to accept it.

A. Encourage them to ask questions and explain to them how you feel about what you do.

Which of the following types of medicine focus on research to provide proof that medical treatments rendered improves patient​ outcomes? A. ​Evidence-based medicine B. ​Peer-reviewed studies C. Clinical observation D. Anecdotal evidence

A. Evidence-based medicine

Of the four levels of prehospital emergency medical​ training, the level of training that allows for forming a field impression and providing invasive and drug interventions is​ the: A. Paramedic level. B. Advanced EMT level. C. Emergency Medical Technician level. D. Emergency Medical Responder level.

A. Paramedic level

How can a buddy system with a coworker in EMS help you reduce​ job-related stress? A. You both keep an eye on each​ other, looking for signs of stress. B. You both work the same shift so that you have the same experiences. C. You both watch the actions of management and warn each other if one is about to get into trouble. D. You both take time and spend it with each​ other's family.

A. You both keep an eye on each​ other, looking for signs of stress.

The FIRST priority regarding scene safety is to ensure the safety of which​ individual(s)? A. Yourself B. The​ patient's family C. Innocent bystanders D. The patient

A. Yourself

According to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model​, an Advanced EMT should be trained​ to: A. administer medications intravenously. B. initiate cardiac pacing. C. perform a needle jet insufflation. D. decompress a chest cavity.

A. administer medications intravenously.

A state of exhaustion and irritability that develops over a longer period of time and can markedly decrease​ one's effectiveness in delivering emergency medical care is referred to​ as: A. burnout. B. anguish. C. stress. D. eustress.

A. burnout

The single MOST important way you can prevent the spread of infection is​ by: A. hand washing before and after emergency runs. B. always wearing latex gloves. C. always wearing gloves and a​ surgical-type mask. D. placing a surgical mask on the patient.

A. hand washing before and after emergency runs.

The NHTSA Technical Assistance Program Assessment Standards for EMS systems address the resource management component by stating that each state​ must: A. have central control of EMS resources so that each locality and all patients have equal access to acceptable emergency care. B. develop a system of specialized care for trauma patients. C. have​ laws, regulations,​ policies, and procedures that govern its EMS system. D. identify a physician as a medical director to provide medical oversight.

A. have central control of EMS resources so that each locality and all patients have equal access to acceptable emergency care.

​Off-line medical direction may be provided​ through: A. standing orders. B. medical direction by phone. C. medical direction by radio. D. call review.

A. standing orders.

Emergency medical care has developed from the days when the local funeral home provided ambulance service to the​ current, modern EMS system. Major improvements in emergency medical care over the years include all of the following​ EXCEPT: A. use of faster driving speeds during an emergency response to the calls. B. EMS becoming part of the continuum of patient care. C. patient care beginning at the scene of the illness or injury. D. prompt response from educated prehospital professionals.

A. use faster driving speeds during an emergency response to the calls

As an​ EMT, if you pick up numerous shifts of​ "on-call" or​ "call-in" time on your days off in which you may have to respond suddenly to the station for an​ emergency, what response would be likely from your family from this​ stressor? A. ​"You can't be the only one on​ call; let someone else go this​ time." B. ​"Be careful going to work​ today, and​ don't worry what time you get​ home." C. ​"Why don't you just stay at the station and sleep there this​ time." D. ​"I don't understand why you do what you​ do; I'm just proud that you are doing​ it."

A. ​"You can't be the only one on​ call; let someone else go this​ time."

You have arrived on scene for a two car MVC in which a patient is entrapped in one of the cars and is severely injured. He keeps fading in and out of consciousness. During one of his lucid​ periods, he asks you if he will be OK. What is the​ EMT's MOST appropriate​ response? A. ​"You're badly​ hurt, and we are doing everything we can to get you out of here and to a hospital. But​ don't you give​ up." B. ​"Honestly, I think you may not survive your​ injuries; is there any message you want me to pass on to your​ family?" C. ​"I think​ you'll be​ fine; hang in​ there." D. ​"I don't know if​ you'll live, but you need to want to live if you wish to see your family​ again."

A. ​"You're badly​ hurt, and we are doing everything we can to get you out of here and to a hospital. But​ don't you give​ up."

Which of the following would NOT be an example of the personal traits expected of the professional​ EMT? A. A stable person with good judgment B. A nervous person who does not like to improvise C. A calm and reassuring personality D. A resourceful person who is a good listener

B. A nervous person who does not like to improvise

How often should the EMT receive a prophylactic tetanus​ vaccination? A. Every 2 years B. Every 5 years C. Every 10 years D. Every 7 years

C. Every 10 years

Your agency has recently been researching the use of the prophylactic use of backboards. Valid and reliable sources recommend that backboards should be used less frequently. Which one of the following should be done​ next? A. Survey emergency department physicians in your region. B. Change the respective protocols. C. Confirm the research meets NHTSA standards. D. Submit an​ evidence-based medicine approval form to the NREMT.

B. Change the respective protocols.

Which one of the situations below requires the emergency medical technician​ (EMT) to use a​ gown? A. Pneumonia B. Childbirth C. Tuberculosis D. Zika virus disease

B. Childbirth

Which of the following is NOT a type of stress reaction that the EMT may experience as a result of stressors encountered within the​ profession? A. Cumulative stress reaction B. Chronic stress reaction C. Acute stress reaction D. Delayed stress reaction

B. Chronic stress reaction

Your spouse​ states, "Your job is more important than your​ family!" Which one of the following feelings is your spouse most likely​ experiencing? A. Lack of understanding B. Fear of separation C. Worry about​ on-call situations D. Inability to plan

B. Fear of separation

Hookworm is an example of what type of pathogen​ infection? A. Fungi B. Helminths C. Protozoa D. Virus

B. Helminths

What is the first public health​ responsibility? A. Designing a prevention strategy B. Identifying a problem that affects a specific population C. Evaluating the local EMS capabilities D. Educating the target population that is at risk

B. Identifying a problem that affects a specific population

Which statement best describes a recognized step in a critical incident stress debriefing​ (CISD)? A. It is best conducted by your upper EMS administration team. B. It includes a plan of action phase. C. It is ideally held within 12 hours after the incident. D. It should include detailed minutes and a roster to be forwarded to supervisors.

B. It includes a plan of action phase.

Which one of the following is considered a limitation of​ evidence-based medicine? A. Support for change B. Minimal availability of research data C. Lack of questions that need to be answered D. ​Reliable, valid evidence

B. Minimal availability of research data

What U.S. entity established guidelines that require certain precautions be taken to prevent the transmission of disease through contact with body​ fluids? A. Pathology and disease control B. Occupational Safety and Health Administration C. The Surgeon General D. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration

B. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Which of the following cleaning methods kills all microorganisms on the surface of an​ object? A. Cleaning B. Sterilization C. Disinfection D. Purification

B. Sterilization

​Exercising, eating a healthy​ diet, using relaxation​ techniques, and seeking professional counseling are all ways of managing what influence in your life that happens when​ you're an​ EMT? A. Cancer B. Stress C. Critical infections D. Anorexia

B. Stress

You are mentoring an EMT student who is doing a​ ride-along shift with you. He mentions that they are talking about​ "wellness" in​ class, but he thinks that it means the same thing as​ "healthy." Which statement is NOT a description of what wellness​ is? A. Physical and mental​ well-being B. The absence of disease C. Social and environmental​ well-being D. Intellectual and emotional​ well-being

B. The absence of disease

Exhaustion and irritability caused by prolonged periods of stress is​ called: A. delirium. B. burnout. C. acute stress reaction. D. delayed stress reaction.

B. burnout.

The process of washing a soiled medical instrument or equipment with soap and water is known​ as: A. purification. B. cleaning. C. sterilization. D. disinfection.

B. cleaning

An EMS service has decided to staff a clinic at the county fair. This is an example of A. public education. B. community paramedicine. C. ​evidence-based guidelines. D. a public health initiative.

B. community paramedicine.

During the transport of a patient to the​ hospital, you​ should: A. use lights and siren to minimize transport time. B. notify the receiving facility of the nature and extent of injuries. C. allow family members to ride in the patient compartment. D. obtain the​ patient's insurance information.

B. notify the receiving facility of the nature and extent of injuries.

The​ EMT's FIRST and MOST important priority​ is: A. proper vehicle maintenance. B. personal safety. C. patient welfare. D. the safety of other rescuers.

B. personal safety.

​Integrity, empathy, and effective time management are examples of an​ EMT's: A. physical demands. B. professional behaviors. C. patient care advocacy. D. knowledge and skills.

B. professional behaviors.

As an​ EMT, your role in quality improvement includes all of the following​ EXCEPT: A. checking the AED for expired chest pads or dead batteries. B. withholding important information from your CQI officer because it pertains to your partner. C. carefully and thoroughly documenting each call. D. participating in continuing education.

B. withholding important information from your CQI officer because it pertains to your partner.

You are transporting a patient who has just been diagnosed with a terminal condition. The patient appears distant and sad. Which stage of grief is this patient most likely​ experiencing? A. Bargaining B. Denial C. Depression D. Acceptance

C. Depression

Of the four nationally recognized levels of EMS​ training, which one has the least number of skills​ taught? A. Emergency Medical Technician B. Paramedic C. Emergency Medical Responder D. Advanced EMT

C. Emergency Medical Responder

You arrive on scene of an MVC involving a tanker truck. You notice that there is placard on the damaged vehicle. What reference should you use to look up the​ placards? A. Placard Reference Guidebook B. Hazardous Material Reference Guide C. Emergency Response Guidebook D. Response to Hazardous Materials

C. Emergency Response Guidebook

Which step in the​ evidence-based medicine process deals with the concept of deciding what aspect of emergency medicine to​ investigate? A. Appraise evidence for validity and reliability. B. Change of protocol based on the research outcome. C. Formulate a question. D. Search medical literature.

C. Formulate a question.

What does an enhanced 911 system allow the emergency dispatcher to​ perform? A. Provide​ step-by-step CPR instructions to the caller. B. Respond to the scene of a medical incident much quicker. C. Immediately access the phone number and address from which the call is being made. D. Contact​ police, fire, and EMS personnel simultaneously.

C. Immediately access the phone number and address from which the call is being made.

What was the effect of the publication of Accidental Death and​ Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society on​ modern-day EMS? A. The American Heart Association began training the public in CPR. B. The federal government created the Department of Health and Public Safety. C. It served as a catalyst for improving ambulance systems. D. It identified that many people were dying due to crashes while traveling by airplane.

C. It served as a catalyst for improving ambulance systems.

What is the official name for the physician who assumes responsibility for all patient care aspects within a specific EMS​ system? A. Medical administrator B. Physician on call C. Medical director D. Chief of staff

C. Medical director

Which one of the following documents was written with the intent to seek support to elevate the science of EMS and prehospital care to the next​ level? A. National Guidelines for​ Evidence-Based Medicine B. The Recommendations for EMS Science and Research C. National EMS Research Agenda D. The White Paper

C. National EMS Research Agenda

If a bystander summons EMS using a mobile​ phone, and the EMS dispatcher is able to view the​ caller's latitude and longitude​ coordinates, what FCC rules has this wireless provider​ utilized? A. Phase I enhanced 911 B. Enhanced 911 C. Phase II enhanced 911 D. Basic 911

C. Phase II enhanced 911

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding disposable​ equipment? A. To prevent accidental​ sticks, recap any used needles before disposing of them. B. Use disposable equipment only when absolutely necessary. C. Place used equipment in a plastic bag labeled as biohazardous waste. D. It is all right to reuse disposable equipment if you clean it properly.

C. Place used equipment in a plastic bag labeled as biohazardous waste.

One of the EMTs at the station has been cited by the medical director for​ sloppy, incomplete, and sometimes inaccurate patient care documentation practices. Why does this pose a risk to patient​ safety? A. Failure to document properly can make it easier for the EMS system to be successfully sued. B. The service is worried about justifying the cost of equipment it currently uses. C. Poor communication can lead to misunderstanding and medical errors. D. The EMS service cannot bill for sloppy report​ forms, which lowers the reimbursement rate and jeopardizes future equipment purchases.

C. Poor communication can lead to misunderstanding and medical errors.

What is the one specific personal protective equipment​ (PPE) that should be used for every patient​ contact? A. Eye protection B. Gowns C. Protective gloves D. Masks

C. Protective gloves

What is the name of the program that EMS services should establish in order to better assess the ongoing efficiency of care they are rendering to​ patients? A. Trauma registry B. Continuing education C. Quality improvement D. Enhanced 911

C. Quality improvement

What is one of the BEST ways for an EMT to avoid​ burnout? A. Always keep prescription antianxiety medications available. B. Do not talk about the stressors of the job to anyone other than a professional counselor. C. Recognize the signs of stress when they develop and seek help. D. Avoid stressful types of patient contacts or situations for a few months.

C. Recognize the signs of stress when they develop and seek help.

Which step in the​ evidence-based medicine process focuses on the concept of determining what is already known about a particular intervention or​ situation? A. Formulate a question. B. Change of protocol based on the research outcome. C. Search medical literature. D. Appraise evidence for validity and reliability.

C. Search medical literature.

Which of the following modes of transmission of hepatitis should be of low concern or risk to the EMT while​ working? A. Human bite B. Needlestick C. Sexual contact D. Contact with infected blood

C. Sexual contact

To receive the highest quality of​ care, some patients need to be transported to special​ facilities, such as patients who​ have: A. broken a long bone. B. been exposed to extremes of cold or heat. C. been critically burned or had a stroke. D. a diabetic emergency.

C. been critically burned or had a stroke.

The person who is legally responsible for the clinical and patient care aspects of the EMS system is​ the: A. state EMS official. B. EMS supervisor. C. medical director. D. EMT.

C. medical director

The comprehensive term for the responsibilities of the EMS​ system's medical director is A. protocol administration. B. prehospital surveillance. C. medical oversight. D. physician management.

C. medical oversight

All 911 calls placed on normal landline phones are routed to​ the: A. nearest law enforcement dispatch center. B. phone​ company's customer service center. C. public safety answering point. D. phone​ company's operator.

C. public safety answering point.

An example of a population or group at greatest risk for injuries from falls would​ be: A. American Indians. B. infants. C. the elderly. D. people who live on farms.

C. the elderly.

The technical assistance program assessment standard that specifies that each trauma patient must be transported to an appropriate medical facility capable of handling trauma​ is: A. human resources and training. B. regulation and policy. C. trauma systems. D. transportation.

C. trauma systems.

How long after a critical incident should defusing take​ place? A. 24 to 72 hours B. 6 to 10 hours C. 30 to 45 minutes D. 1 to 4 hours

D. 1 to 4 hours

To gain the benefits of cardiovascular​ exercise, it is necessary to reach and maintain your target heart rate for what period of​ time? A. 10 to 20 minutes B. 20 to 30 minutes C. 40 to 50 minutes D. 30 to 40 minutes

D. 30 to 40 minutes

Following a​ large-scale disaster that requires a defusing​ event, how long should a typical defusing session​ last? A. 15 to 30 minutes B. 45 to 60 minutes C. Less than 2 hours D. 30 to 45 minutes

D. 30 to 45 minutes

​Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if you do not have access to soap and running water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention​ (CDC), the hand sanitizer must contain at least how much​ alcohol? A. 40 percent B. 70 percent C. 50 percent D. 60 percent

D. 60 percent

You are treating a patient who has a fever and a cough. He is bringing up​ red-tinged frothy sputum with each coughing spell. What specific infection control PPE is MOST​ appropriate? A. A Tyvek suit B. A surgical mask or NRB on the rescuer C. A level A suit D. A HEPA or N95 mask on the rescuer

D. A HEPA or N95 mask on the rescuer

Which of the following is known as a state of​ exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue brought on by​ work-related problems over time and which results in the inability to perform your duties effectively as an EMT. A. Stressout B. Critical incident stress C. Serious fatigue D. Burnout

D. Burnout

Immediately after you advise your patient that he is experiencing a heart​ attack, he responds​ "Not me, there is no way that​ I'm having a heart​ attack." This best describes which stage of​ grief? A. Bargaining B. Depression C. Anger D. Denial

D. Denial

Which of the following core components of​ well-being does NOT belong with physical​ fitness? A. Body composition B. Cardiovascular endurance C. Muscle strength D. Emotional stability

D. Emotional stability

You are on scene with a patient who has a terminal illness. As the moment of death​ approaches, the patient starts to ask you more and more questions about death. What should you​ do? A. Give the patient​ reassurance, even if it is false. B. Ignore the​ patient, because there is really nothing that you can say. C. Terminate useless treatment as soon as possible. D. Explain what death​ is, what is​ happening, and what the patient might expect to the best of your ability.

D. Explain what death​ is, what is​ happening, and what the patient might expect to the best of your ability.

Which of the following statements about an EMS​ system's CQI program is​ FALSE? A. Quality documentation will strengthen the CQI program. B. Continuing education will better prepare the​ EMTs, which in turn will improve how well they perform during CQI audits. C. Periodic reviews of each EMT in the system should be performed. D. Feedback for the CQI process should only be gathered from the EMTs and the receiving facility.

D. Feedback for the CQI process should only be gathered from the EMTs and the receiving facility.

When responding to a rescue situation that involves a potential threat to patients and​ responders, the emergency medical technician​ (EMT) should don which of the​ following? A. Class 1 vest B. Harness C. SCBA D. Helmet

D. Helmet

Which one of the following diseases is caused by a​ virus? A. Strep throat B. Tuberculosis C. Sinus infection D. Hepatitis

D. Hepatitis

What is the MOST common destination facility to which an EMT will be transporting​ patients? A. Hospital​ cardiac, medical, or trauma intensive care units B. Freestanding immediate care facility C. Private​ physician's office D. Hospital emergency department

D. Hospital emergency department

Encouraging and supporting your coworkers and resisting the temptation to criticize others will provide what benefit to the​ EMT? A. It will make you less susceptible to gossip. B. It will get you voted​ "Employee of the​ Month." C. It will increase your likelihood of not losing your job. D. It will help reduce and manage​ job-related stress.

D. It will help reduce and manage​ job-related stress.

Which one of the following is a reason to establish a community paramedic​ program? A. Improve community relations. B. Manage acute disease conditions. C. Increase emergency department admissions. D. Manage​ high-volume users.

D. Manage high-volume users

Which one of the following is a service that may be provided by community​ paramedics? A. Transportation of critical patients B. Emergency response C. Rural MCI response D. Management of chronic conditions

D. Management of chronic conditions

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a set of recommended standards for EMS systems called the Technical Assistance Program Assessment Standards. These ten standards include which one of the​ following? A. Personnel scheduling B. Vehicle maintenance C. Required system access through a 911 emergency phone number D. Medical direction

D. Medical direction

You have arrived on scene as a backup unit for a patient with an unknown emergency. When you​ arrive, another EMT tells you that the​ patient, an unresponsive​ 12-year-old boy found floating face down in a​ 4-foot swimming​ pool, has already been loaded into the transporting ambulance. Your EMT coworker asks you to drive him to the hospital using lights and sirens. Given this​ information, what facility would MOST likely be your​ destination? A. Spine injury center B. Trauma center C. Cardiac center D. Pediatric center

D. Pediatric center

Which of the following is NOT one of the ten greatest public health initiatives in the twentieth​ century? A. Reduction in tobacco use B. ​Motor-vehicle safety C. Workplace safety D. Reduction in people living below the poverty level

D. Reduction in people living below the poverty level

​Evidence-based medicine tends to emphasize which component of the traditional approach to the practice of emergency​ medicine? A. Good judgment B. Intuition C. Quality improvement D. Science

D. Science

Which of the following was a recommendation of the Institute of​ Medicine's report, The Future of EMS​ Care: EMS at the Crossroads​? A. Individual state EMS certification should be a prerequisite for national EMS credentials. B. Interstate reciprocity should come to an end. C. All EMS education programs should be accredited by their respective state. D. States should adopt a common scope of practice for prehospital personnel.

D. States should adopt a common scope of practice for prehospital personnel.

If a fellow coworker is starting to experience more​ stress, what should you suggest to him to help him manage this​ stress? A. Release some anger by yelling at patients or supervisors. B. On your day​ off, get to a tavern and have a few drinks. C. Take sedatives prior to coming to work. D. Try to exercise more at home and between calls at work.

D. Try to exercise more at home and between calls at work.

If the patient who has a fever and a​ blood-tinged productive cough states he has an infectious​ disease, what disease does he MOST likely​ have? A. Hepatitis A B. SARS C. Spinal meningitis D. Tuberculosis

D. Tuberculosis

Personal protective equipment is used as a barrier​ against: A. immunization. B. fertilization. C. sanitization. D. infection.

D. infection

To help reduce the emotional burden of the dying​ patient, you​ should: A. not touch the patient or allow the family to touch or hold the patient. B. use a firm tone of voice so the patient and family know you are in charge. C. give the patient​ assurances, even if they are false. D. listen empathetically to the patient and honor the​ patient's requests.

D. listen empathetically to the patient and honor the​ patient's requests.

When applying for a new job as an EMT with a local EMS​ provider, you had to take a quick test that involved watching a videotaped scenario and then completing a prehospital care report and giving an oral patient​ hand-off report. This interview activity was designed to​ assess: A. your ability to be polite and considerate in a stressful situation. B. your empathy for the patient in the mock scenario. C. your tolerance for an order from management. D. the expected ability to maintain good verbal and written communication skills.

D. the expected ability to maintain good verbal and written communication skills.