Exam 12: Scene Size-Up

A 67-year-old male, with a history of diabetes and previous heart attack, fell down three stairs. His chief complaint is pain and deformity to his right wrist. The EMT would classify the patient as a:

It is nighttime and you have been dispatched for a vehicle on the shoulder of the interstate with a driver slumped over the steering wheel. When pulling up onto the scene, how should you best position the ambulance?

When should the EMT evaluate the scene of an emergency for hazards that may threaten or harm him?

When deciding whether or not to transport a patient to the hospital using lights and sirens to the hospital, what information carries the most weight in your decision?

You have been called to a residence of a woman who fell down the stairs. On scene you find the patient on the couch with a large laceration to her forehead. As you begin assessing and treating her, she states that she did not fall down the stairs, but was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend after inviting him into her home. In this situation, what statement would be most appropriate?

On scene, frantic family members direct you into the basement where their 67-year-old mother has shot herself in the chest with a small handgun. She is unresponsive and breathing six times a minute. The gun remains in her hand by her side. What action should you take immediately?

To best determine the type and extent of injuries sustained by a patient who has fallen, the EMT should consider which of the following pieces of information?

It has been reported that two people have been shot in an alleyway. As you pull onto the scene, you see a police officer standing over a person with blood on his shirt and pants. In this situation, your first priority is?

Of the following, who has personal protective equipment in place?

Dispatch has sent you to the scene of a fight at a local sporting event. Since the EMS system is busy and there are very few ambulances available, dispatch has instructed you to call for additional units after arrival on scene. On scene you find that the police are present and have what appear to be 10 people seated or lying on the ground, many with blood on their faces and clothing. When would you call for additional ambulances?

An intoxicated patient is complaining of a severe headache and a large bruise to the left side of his face after accidentally being struck with a baseball bat. In this situation, being struck with the baseball bat is called the:

You have been directed to a car that struck another vehicle at a moderate rate of speed. You note deformity and starring of the windshield on the driver's side. What should you do to determine if the deformity to the windshield was caused by the driver hitting his head or by the air bags?

If a scene becomes unsafe after you have entered, you should first:

You are entering the scene where a 32-year-old intoxicated male has fallen down 13 stairs leading to the basement. He is seated on the floor of the basement, holding a bloody towel over his face. During the initial scene size-up, what is it essential that the EMT quickly identify?

When would an EMT enter the scene of a crime to provide care to the patient?

For the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles, which actions would be most appropriate in regards to rescuer and patient safety?

You have been called to a bar full of intoxicated patrons for a 46-year-old man who fell off his stool, injuring his left arm. As you assess his arm, he screams in pain. Several of the patrons get angry and yell for you to give him something for pain. Someone in the back throws a bottle in your direction. What should you do next?

What is the most common potential hazard an EMT faces on scene?

You have been dispatched for an 89-year-old female patient who fell in her kitchen and was found by family members several hours later. Should something go awry on scene, which of the following serve to give you the most safety and security?

A 67-year-old male who lives in an extremely "bad" neighborhood is experiencing chest pain. There are vacant homes throughout, including the homes to either side of his residence. Additionally, parked cars have forced you to park three houses away, making it necessary to walk and carry supplies to the residence. Which action is most appropriate as you approach and/or gain access to the patient's house?