76 Questions
What is the minimum number of patients required to be considered a mass casualty incident?
3
What is the primary purpose of the incident command system (ICS)?
To do the greatest good for the greatest number of people
Who implemented the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in 2004?
The Secretary of Homeland Security
What is a key feature of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?
It provides a flexible organizational structure
What is one of the areas in which the NIMS provides standardization?
Terminology
Which branch of the incident command system (ICS) would an EMT typically be assigned to?
EMS/Medical branch
What is the main purpose of the Incident Command System (ICS)?
To ensure the efficient use of resources
What is the role of the public information officer (PIO) in the ICS?
To provide information to the public
What is the primary goal of the ICS?
To ensure responder and public safety
What is the role of the logistics section in the ICS?
To provide facilities, food, and medical equipment
What is the role of the operations section in the ICS?
To manage the tactical operations at the scene of the incident
What is the role of the safety officer in the ICS?
To monitor the scene for hazardous conditions
What is the purpose of the incident action plan in the ICS?
To provide clear, concise information about incident activities
What is the role of the finance section in the ICS?
To document all expenditures at an incident for reimbursement
What is the purpose of demobilization procedures in the ICS?
To scale back resources as the incident comes to a close
What is the role of the incident commander (IC) in the ICS?
To be in charge of the overall incident
What is the primary responsibility of a Public Information Officer (PIO)?
To provide the public and media with clear and understandable information
What is the purpose of checking in at an incident?
To allow for personnel tracking and job tasking
What is the purpose of keeping detailed records during an incident?
To track time spent on the incident for reimbursement purposes
What does 'accountability' mean in the context of an incident response?
Keeping your supervisor advised of your location and actions
What is the first step in responding to an incident?
Establishing command
What should be avoided when communicating via radio during an incident?
Using 10-codes or signals
Who should establish command during an incident?
The most senior official
What is the purpose of tracking personnel during an incident?
To ensure accountability among responders
What is the primary responsibility of the Public Information Officer (PIO) regarding incident demobilization?
To notify other responders of the incident's stabilization
What is an essential component of a disaster plan?
A written disaster plan
Who is ultimately in charge of counting and prioritizing patients during a triage process?
Triage supervisor
What is the main role of the medical branch director in a disaster response?
To ensure triage, treatment, and transport of injured people
What is the primary responsibility of the treatment supervisor during a disaster response?
To establish a treatment area and provide medical care
What is the primary role of the transportation supervisor during a disaster response?
To coordinate transportation of patients and prevent hospital overload
What should emergency vehicles do before entering a MCI scene?
Request permission from the staging supervisor first
Where should a rehabilitation area be located during a disaster response?
Away from exhaust fumes and crowds
What is the role of the morgue supervisor during a disaster response?
To work with area medical examiners and coroners
What is the definition of a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)?
An emergency situation involving three or more patients
What should an EMT ask themselves when considering whether a call is an MCI?
How many injured patients can you care for effectively and transport
What is crucial for a responder during a disaster response?
To rest, rehydrate, and recover
What is the main goal of triage in an MCI?
To do the greatest good for the greatest number
What is the purpose of primary triage?
To briefly assess patients and categorize them based on the severity of their injuries
What happens to patients who are not breathing after the airway is opened?
They are triaged as expectant (black)
What is the purpose of tagging patients in an MCI?
To track patients and keep an accurate record of their condition
What is the category of patients who are walking and have minor injuries?
Minor or minimal (green)
What is the purpose of the START triage method?
To categorize patients based on the severity of their injuries
What should you never do in an MCI?
Leave the scene with patients if there are still other unattended patients present
What happens to patients who are breathing faster than 30 breaths/min in the START triage method?
They are categorized as immediate (red) priority
What information should the triage supervisor communicate to the medical branch director?
The total number of patients, the number of patients in each triage category, and recommendations for extrication and movement of patients to the treatment area
What is the purpose of secondary triage?
To reassess patients and upgrade their triage category if necessary
What is the primary purpose of the final assessment in the JumpSTART triage system?
To assess the patient's neurologic status
What should you do if a pediatric patient is not breathing and has no pulse?
Label the patient as expectant (black)
What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children?
Respiratory arrest
How should you assess the pulse in a pediatric patient?
Check the pulse that you feel most competent and comfortable checking
What should you do with a patient who is hysterical and disruptive to rescue efforts?
Handle them as an immediate priority and transport them off the site
What should happen to expectant patients who are still alive?
They should receive treatment and transport at a later time
How long may emergency responders be on the scene of a disaster?
Days to weeks
Who can declare a disaster?
An elected official
What may happen if an area hospital decides that they cannot treat all patients in their facility during a disaster?
They will mobilize medical and nursing teams with equipment
What is the purpose of early notification to receiving facilities during a disaster?
To allow hospitals to increase staffing and move patients within their facility as required
What is the primary purpose of setting up a casualty collection area?
To perform triage
What is the purpose of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard?
To establish guidelines for hazardous material response
What is a hazardous material?
Any material that poses an unreasonable risk of damage or injury
When approaching a possible hazmat incident, what should you do first?
Step back and assess the situation from a safe distance
What should you use to view the scene from a safe distance?
Binoculars
What senses should you use to assess the scene?
Sight and sound
What is an important indicator of the possible presence of a hazardous material?
The location and type of building
What is an example of a bulk storage container?
A fixed tank
Why is it important to approach the scene from a safe location and direction?
To avoid rushing into an unsafe scene
What is the role of the first responder awareness level?
To recognize the presence of hazardous substances and notify the communication center
What is the primary purpose of secondary containment systems surrounding bulk storage containers?
To prevent accidental releases of chemicals
What is the typical capacity range of totes?
119-703 gallons
What is the purpose of the Department of Transportation (DOT) marking system?
To indicate the presence of a hazardous material from a safe distance
What types of chemicals require the use of labels or placards, regardless of the quantity being shipped?
Explosives, poison gases, water-reactive solids, and high-level radioactive substances
What is the purpose of the Emergency Response Guidebook?
To provide guidance for responders operating at a hazmat incident
What is the purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?
To provide information on the chemical makeup of a substance
What is the purpose of shipping papers?
To include the names and addresses of the shipper and the receiver, and specify the quantity and weight of each part of the shipment
What type of containers are typically used to store corrosives and other types of chemicals?
Carboys
What is the typical capacity range of large-volume horizontal tanks?
A few hundred gallons to several million gallons
What is the purpose of the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC)?
To operate as a resource for emergency responders and others in the event of a chemical transportation incident
Learn about the challenges of responding to disasters and mass-casualty incidents, including the definitions and requirements for mutual aid responses. Test your knowledge of emergency medical services in high-pressure situations.
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