EMT Chapter 44 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which letter in the mnemonic TRACEM refers to nuclear fuels and by-products of nuclear bombs?

R (correct)

Which agency is responsible for the regulations in '29 CFR 1910.120' as it relates to hazardous materials response?

OSHA

What will NOT provide you protection from exposure to a source of radiation?

Prophylactic ingestion of iodine within the week prior to exposure

What is the highest priority regarding hazardous materials rescue when the material is yet unidentified?

Protect the safety of all rescuers and patients. Signup and view all the answers

In which area is lifesaving emergency patient care begun in a hazardous materials incident?

warm zone Signup and view all the answers

What does the C in the mnemonic TRACEM stand for?

Chemical Signup and view all the answers

What is the LOWEST priority information to provide when consulting with CHEMTREC?

The name of the person who initially called 911 Signup and view all the answers

In addition to time, distance, and quantity, what else is a protective factor against radiation exposure?

shielding Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST explains the use of your senses to detect hazardous materials?

Not all hazardous materials give sensory clues to their presence Signup and view all the answers

When there are only localized areas of damage resulting from radiation exposure, what is the condition called?

radiation injury Signup and view all the answers

What BEST describes the required contents of shipping papers associated with hazardous materials?

Name of the substance, quantity, origin, and destination Signup and view all the answers

Which hazard is represented by the yellow area on an NFPA placard?

Instability (reactivity) Signup and view all the answers

What must be done before leaving the warm zone and entering the cold zone in a hazmat incident?

Shed all contaminated clothing Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'hazardous material'?

Any material that poses a threat to life, health, or property. Signup and view all the answers

A hazardous material is defined as a material that

in any quantity causes a threat or risk to life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest priority when you determine that a patient may have been exposed to a radiation source?

Immediate transport to the ED Signup and view all the answers

Into which category of hazardous materials do weapons of mass destruction, which utilize chlorine gas, fall?

Class 2 Toxic and Flammable Gases Signup and view all the answers

To which level of training are MOST EMTs trained, as a minimum?

First Responder Awareness Signup and view all the answers

Which is commonly encountered by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a clandestine drug laboratory?

Methamphetamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the 24-hour resource operated by the Chemical Manufacturer's Association?

CHEMTREC Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding sensory clues to a hazardous materials incident is LEAST accurate?

Using your sense of smell is a reliable method of detecting hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common weapon used in terrorism?

toxic substances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential hazard for personnel responding to a marijuana grow operation?

electrical hazards Signup and view all the answers

How long does it usually take for symptoms of MOST hazardous material exposure-related illnesses to manifest following exposure?

hours Signup and view all the answers

Which finding is LEAST likely following radiation exposure?

hypertension Signup and view all the answers

By which mechanism would a patient with radiation injury pose a risk of exposing the EMT?

Contamination particles that are still on the patient Signup and view all the answers

A standardized 4-sided diamond that designates hazardous material is called a(n):

placard Signup and view all the answers

Into which category of hazardous materials do weapons of mass destruction commonly fall?

Toxic and flammable gases Signup and view all the answers

What should be established FIRST at a hazardous materials incident?

safety zones Signup and view all the answers

In which area at a hazmat incident are normal triage, stabilization, and treatment of patients who have been decontaminated performed?

cold zone Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the LEAST reliable method to detect the presence of hazardous materials?

using your senses Signup and view all the answers

While on scene at a residence, you notice a strange odor and a soda pop bottle that appears to be swelling under pressure. You should:

isolate the area Signup and view all the answers

What is required on the exterior of a tanker truck carrying hazardous cargo?

a DOT hazard placard Signup and view all the answers

What is considered to be a valuable informational resource when dealing with hazardous materials incidents?

CHEMTREC Signup and view all the answers

Your patient was contaminated with radiation in an industrial accident. There is NO radiation safety officer available. What is an acceptable alternative for ensuring this patient gets care?

Place the patient in a body bag, zipped up to his neck, cover his head with a cap or towel, wipe his face with disposable wipes and place the wipes in a sealed bag. Signup and view all the answers

How does contamination occur in a radiation incident?

When you come into contact with the source of radiation contamination, such as radioactive particles Signup and view all the answers

A weapon of mass destruction would most likely fall into what category of HAZMAT?

Toxic and infectious substances Signup and view all the answers

What describes the roles of hazardous materials specialists?

Provide command and support activities at the site of a hazardous materials incident Signup and view all the answers

What bit of information can be referenced in the Emergency Response Guidebook?

DOT hazard placards Signup and view all the answers

What does the A in the mnemonic TRACEM stand for?

Asphyxiation Signup and view all the answers

What should immediately increase your suspicion of a hazardous materials incident?

colored vapor cloud Signup and view all the answers

In addition to toxicity and flammability, what else is among the harmful properties of hazardous materials?

Reactivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest level of training for hazmat incidents under OSHA regulations?

Hazardous materials specialist Signup and view all the answers

In which situation should an EMT avoid any risk to life or health at the scene of a hazardous materials incident?

The event is a threat only to the environment Signup and view all the answers

The manufacture of butane hash oil is commonly associated with injuries from:

explosions Signup and view all the answers

As an EMT at the scene of a hazardous materials incident, you will treat any life threats in the

warm zone Signup and view all the answers

The EMT responds to a call for an inhalation injury from pool chlorine chemicals. Which type of substance would this be considered?

oxidizing Signup and view all the answers

What does the T in the mnemonic TRACEM stand for?

thermal Signup and view all the answers

What is the LEAST reliable way to determine the presence of hazardous materials?

your senses Signup and view all the answers

On the scene of a hazardous materials emergency, which individual is best suited to provide command and coordination of assets at the incident?

hazmat specialist Signup and view all the answers

How long can a person who has radiation sickness expect to have symptoms?

Up to 7 or 8 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which mnemonic can be used to help remember the types of damage that can be caused by hazardous materials?

TRACEM Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'M' in the mnemonic TRACEM stand for?

mechanical Signup and view all the answers

You are at a scene where a radioactive material is emitting alpha rays. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that the proper shielding from these rays can be achieved by:

clothing Signup and view all the answers

When working in the 'warm' zone, the EMT must remember that:

Protective gear must be worn in this zone Signup and view all the answers

At the scene of a hazardous materials emergency, you have been assigned to the cold zone. In this zone, which type of activities will you be performing?

Triage, vital signs, and medical histories Signup and view all the answers

A train carrying radioactive materials has derailed. The radiation safety officer informs you that you will be transporting a 31-year-old male who was exposed to the radioactive waves emitted by the material. As such, you should recognize that:

the patient represents no contamination threat to you. Signup and view all the answers

Where is an EMT at highest risk for exposure to phosphine gas?

A methamphetamine lab Signup and view all the answers

You have arrived at the scene where a tractor-trailer overturned into a small ravine adjacent to the freeway. As you exit the ambulance and are donning your gloves, the driver of the truck approaches and informs you that he was hauling radioactive medical wastes and warns you that there is a car underneath the overturned trailer. Given this situation, what should you do immediately?

Move the ambulance upwind and uphill of the scene Signup and view all the answers

Which class of chemicals would a terrorist likely use in an attack?

Class 2 gases Signup and view all the answers

The driver of a truck carrying a radioactive substance accidentally came in contact with the material after getting into a crash on the freeway. You are first on the scene, and a quick observation indicates that the driver still has the powder on his arm. Your immediate action would be to:

instruct the patient to remain still and wait for the radiation safety officer. Signup and view all the answers

You and your partner are the first emergency personnel on the scene of an overturned tanker truck. The driver appears motionless in the cab of the vehicle. You also note liquid leaking from the rear-valve assembly of the tanker trailer. After properly positioning your ambulance, your immediate priority is to:

evacuate people from cars near the tanker. Signup and view all the answers

While a factory employee is moving a container of a radioactive liquid, some of the liquid splashes onto his arm. This situation is best described as:

contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which statement demonstrates that the EMT has a proper understanding of basic operations at the scene of a hazardous materials emergency?

Life or health should never be risked if the threat is only to the environment. Signup and view all the answers

The EMT would best describe a hazardous material as:

any material that poses a threat to life Signup and view all the answers

You have been trained to the OSHA level of 'First Responder Awareness.' With this level of training, which activities are you qualified to perform?

Recognize a potential hazardous materials emergency and call for the appropriate resources. Signup and view all the answers

An intoxicated driver drove his car into the side of a slow-moving train, hitting a tanker car. You recognize the need to call CHEMTREC to get information on what is contained within the tanker. Which piece of information is it critical to provide to this agency so it can respond with helpful information?

UN identification number Signup and view all the answers

You have arrived on the scene of a chemical leak at an industrial park. The placard on the leaking container has a '1' in the blue diamond and a '4' in the red diamond, which means the material is:

flammable but represents a low health hazard. Signup and view all the answers

On the National Fire Protection Association hazardous materials classification placard, the blue diamond represents:

health hazard Signup and view all the answers

You are working the scene of a collision involving a tractor-trailer that is hauling an unknown chemical. After it has been determined that no material has been spilled, the rescue chief asks you to get the truck's shipping papers. Where would these papers most likely be located?

cab of the truck Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most common criminal uses of hazardous materials that the EMT is likely to encounter?

a methamphetamine lab Signup and view all the answers

A worker has been exposed to beta rays given off by a radioactive material, but is not contaminated. He presents to you when the fire department carries him out from the industrial plant in which there was an explosion and partial building collapse. What should you do first?

Initiate your primary assessment Signup and view all the answers

Which class of hazardous materials includes radioactive sources that may be exploited by terrorists in an attack?

class 7 Signup and view all the answers

If the red diamond on a National Fire Protection Association placard contains a '4,' the EMT should recognize that the material within this container is:

very flammable Signup and view all the answers

What is the level of training for those who respond to the release of hazardous materials so as to protect people, property, and the environment?

First responder operations Signup and view all the answers

A patient has received burns to his arm from a beta particle exposure. This type of damage would be classified as:

radiation injury Signup and view all the answers

When relying on your senses to determine whether a hazardous spill has occurred, you should:

Assume that the area around any leak is hazardous Signup and view all the answers

A small truck has gone over an embankment. The driver has a head injury and is confused, but is able to tell you that he is hauling N-acetyl-para-aminophenol. Which resource would provide you with the best initial information about this chemical?

Emergency Response Guidebook Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hazardous Materials Overview

TRACEM mnemonic includes types of hazards:
- R stands for radiological (nuclear fuels, by-products)
- C represents chemical hazards
- A denotes asphyxiation
- M signifies mechanical risks
- T refers to thermal hazards.

Regulations and Guidelines

OSHA enforces regulations for hazardous materials response as per "29 CFR 1910.120".
CHEMTREC operates 24/7 providing information on hazardous materials incidents.

Safety and Protection

The highest priority in a hazardous material response is ensuring the safety of rescuers and patients.
Lifesaving emergency care begins in the warm zone; decontamination occurs before entering the cold zone.
Prophylactic iodine ingestion does not protect against radiation exposure.
Shielding, in addition to time and distance, is essential for radiation protection.

Hazard Identification

NFPA placard yellow indicates instability/reactivity; blue denotes health hazard.
Not all hazardous materials provide sensory clues; relying solely on smell is unreliable.
The presence of a colored vapor cloud raises suspicion of a hazardous materials incident.

Hazmat Incidents

First responders are trained at least to the First Responder Awareness level.
Common illicit materials encountered include methamphetamine, often produced in unsafe labs.
Weapons of mass destruction typically involve toxic and flammable gases or infectious substances.

Patient Management

Radiation exposure can result in contamination and radiation injury; contamination occurs via contact with radioactive particles.
Screening and decontamination should occur before patient transport; immediate patient care focuses on life threats in the warm zone.
The presence of radioactive materials necessitates restricted access to the scene until appropriately equipped personnel arrive.

Shipping and Transport

Shipping papers for hazardous materials must include substance name, quantity, origin, and destination.
A DOT hazard placard is required on tanker trucks carrying hazardous cargo; the truck's cab is the typical location for shipping papers.

Emergency Procedures

Safety zones must be established first in hazmat incidents to protect responders.
In case of contamination by radiation in the absence of a radiation safety officer, appropriate measures include containment in a body bag.
Always assume areas around any leak are hazardous; immediate evacuation of individuals nearby is crucial.

Health Effects and Symptoms

Symptoms of exposure to hazardous materials usually manifest within hours.
The duration of symptoms from radiation sickness can last 7 to 8 weeks.
Signs of radiation exposure do not typically include hypertension; direct contamination can pose risks to EMT personnel.

Communication and Documentation

Critical information for CHEMTREC includes the UN identification number of the hazardous material.
Emergency Response Guidebook is essential for initial information on hazardous materials involved in incidents.

Criminal Use and Safety Concerns

Methamphetamine labs present significant hazards, including potential explosions and electrical dangers.
When faced with hazardous materials, prioritization of life and health over environmental threats is imperative for responders.

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Description

Test your knowledge on hazardous materials and radiological response with these flashcards from EMT Chapter 44. This quiz includes essential terms and regulatory agencies that play a key role in safety and response measures. Get ready to reinforce your understanding of critical information related to nuclear fuels and OSHA regulations.