West Coast EMT Block Exam #1 – Practice
Questions 2026
Patient Assessment / Primary Survey
Q1. What is the first action an EMT should take upon arriving at the scene of a reported
cardiac arrest?
A. Begin CPR immediately
B. Check for a pulse only
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Attach the AED
Always ensure the scene is safe for yourself, the patient, and bystanders before providing care.
Q2. A patient is unconscious and not breathing. The EMT should:
A. Begin rescue breaths only
B. Call for help and start CPR immediately
C. Wait for the AED
D. Place the patient in recovery position
Immediate CPR is crucial for patient survival in cardiac arrest.
Q3. During the primary survey, the EMT observes severe bleeding from the leg. The first
step is:
A. Apply a splint
B. Direct pressure to control bleeding
C. Elevate the leg
D. Apply a tourniquet immediately
Direct pressure is the first step for severe hemorrhage unless life-threatening and
uncontrollable.
Q4. A patient is responsive but complains of chest pain. The EMT should first:
A. Administer aspirin
B. Perform a primary survey (ABCs)
, C. Apply oxygen only
D. Take vital signs
Airway, breathing, and circulation always come first in assessment.
Q5. A patient has a gurgling airway. EMT’s best action is:
A. Give rescue breaths only
B. Perform a suctioning procedure
C. Roll patient to side
D. Apply oxygen via NRB
Suctioning clears airway obstructions before ventilations.
Airway / Breathing
Q6. The best indicator of adequate ventilation is:
A. Patient color only
B. Pulse oximetry reading
C. Chest rise and fall with breath sounds
D. Skin temperature
Visible chest rise ensures air is entering the lungs.
Q7. Which device is most appropriate for a patient with spontaneous breathing but low
oxygen saturation?
A. Bag-valve mask
B. Mouth-to-mouth
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Oropharyngeal airway only
NRB mask provides high-flow oxygen while allowing spontaneous breathing.
Q8. A 55-year-old patient has respiratory distress, wheezing, and history of asthma. EMT
should:
A. Administer epinephrine immediately
B. Provide supplemental oxygen and assist with prescribed inhaler
C. Give oral medications
D. Begin CPR
Questions 2026
Patient Assessment / Primary Survey
Q1. What is the first action an EMT should take upon arriving at the scene of a reported
cardiac arrest?
A. Begin CPR immediately
B. Check for a pulse only
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Attach the AED
Always ensure the scene is safe for yourself, the patient, and bystanders before providing care.
Q2. A patient is unconscious and not breathing. The EMT should:
A. Begin rescue breaths only
B. Call for help and start CPR immediately
C. Wait for the AED
D. Place the patient in recovery position
Immediate CPR is crucial for patient survival in cardiac arrest.
Q3. During the primary survey, the EMT observes severe bleeding from the leg. The first
step is:
A. Apply a splint
B. Direct pressure to control bleeding
C. Elevate the leg
D. Apply a tourniquet immediately
Direct pressure is the first step for severe hemorrhage unless life-threatening and
uncontrollable.
Q4. A patient is responsive but complains of chest pain. The EMT should first:
A. Administer aspirin
B. Perform a primary survey (ABCs)
, C. Apply oxygen only
D. Take vital signs
Airway, breathing, and circulation always come first in assessment.
Q5. A patient has a gurgling airway. EMT’s best action is:
A. Give rescue breaths only
B. Perform a suctioning procedure
C. Roll patient to side
D. Apply oxygen via NRB
Suctioning clears airway obstructions before ventilations.
Airway / Breathing
Q6. The best indicator of adequate ventilation is:
A. Patient color only
B. Pulse oximetry reading
C. Chest rise and fall with breath sounds
D. Skin temperature
Visible chest rise ensures air is entering the lungs.
Q7. Which device is most appropriate for a patient with spontaneous breathing but low
oxygen saturation?
A. Bag-valve mask
B. Mouth-to-mouth
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Oropharyngeal airway only
NRB mask provides high-flow oxygen while allowing spontaneous breathing.
Q8. A 55-year-old patient has respiratory distress, wheezing, and history of asthma. EMT
should:
A. Administer epinephrine immediately
B. Provide supplemental oxygen and assist with prescribed inhaler
C. Give oral medications
D. Begin CPR
