Yakima County EMS Protocols Exam With
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the first priority when EMS arrives at a scene?
A. Obtain a complete medical history
B. Ensure scene safety
C. Begin transport immediately
D. Obtain a blood glucose level
Correct Answer: B. Ensure scene safety
,Rationale: EMS personnel must assess hazards and establish scene
safety before entering or beginning patient care. Unsafe scenes can
create additional casualties.
2. Which finding most strongly indicates an immediate life threat?
A. Mild headache
B. Stable blood pressure
C. Severe respiratory distress
D. Minor ankle pain
Correct Answer: C. Severe respiratory distress
Rationale: Severe respiratory distress can rapidly progress to
respiratory failure and cardiac arrest and requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
3. During the primary assessment, which condition should be addressed
first?
A. Minor bleeding
,B. Airway obstruction
C. Medication history
D. Past surgical history
Correct Answer: B. Airway obstruction
Rationale: A compromised airway prevents adequate oxygenation and
ventilation and must be addressed immediately.
4. An unresponsive adult is not breathing normally. What should the
EMS provider do?
A. Wait for the patient to regain consciousness
B. Begin appropriate resuscitation procedures
C. Obtain a complete SAMPLE history
D. Give oral fluids
Correct Answer: B. Begin appropriate resuscitation procedures
, Rationale: An unresponsive patient with absent or abnormal breathing
requires immediate evaluation for cardiac arrest and initiation of
resuscitation according to protocol.
5. What is the purpose of an initial general impression?
A. Determine the patient's insurance status
B. Identify obvious life threats and overall severity
C. Determine the final hospital diagnosis
D. Complete the patient care report
Correct Answer: B. Identify obvious life threats and overall severity
Rationale: The general impression provides an immediate assessment
of the patient's condition and helps establish treatment priorities.
6. Which airway maneuver is generally appropriate for a patient
without suspected spinal trauma?
A. Head-tilt/chin-lift
B. Abdominal thrusts
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the first priority when EMS arrives at a scene?
A. Obtain a complete medical history
B. Ensure scene safety
C. Begin transport immediately
D. Obtain a blood glucose level
Correct Answer: B. Ensure scene safety
,Rationale: EMS personnel must assess hazards and establish scene
safety before entering or beginning patient care. Unsafe scenes can
create additional casualties.
2. Which finding most strongly indicates an immediate life threat?
A. Mild headache
B. Stable blood pressure
C. Severe respiratory distress
D. Minor ankle pain
Correct Answer: C. Severe respiratory distress
Rationale: Severe respiratory distress can rapidly progress to
respiratory failure and cardiac arrest and requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
3. During the primary assessment, which condition should be addressed
first?
A. Minor bleeding
,B. Airway obstruction
C. Medication history
D. Past surgical history
Correct Answer: B. Airway obstruction
Rationale: A compromised airway prevents adequate oxygenation and
ventilation and must be addressed immediately.
4. An unresponsive adult is not breathing normally. What should the
EMS provider do?
A. Wait for the patient to regain consciousness
B. Begin appropriate resuscitation procedures
C. Obtain a complete SAMPLE history
D. Give oral fluids
Correct Answer: B. Begin appropriate resuscitation procedures
, Rationale: An unresponsive patient with absent or abnormal breathing
requires immediate evaluation for cardiac arrest and initiation of
resuscitation according to protocol.
5. What is the purpose of an initial general impression?
A. Determine the patient's insurance status
B. Identify obvious life threats and overall severity
C. Determine the final hospital diagnosis
D. Complete the patient care report
Correct Answer: B. Identify obvious life threats and overall severity
Rationale: The general impression provides an immediate assessment
of the patient's condition and helps establish treatment priorities.
6. Which airway maneuver is generally appropriate for a patient
without suspected spinal trauma?
A. Head-tilt/chin-lift
B. Abdominal thrusts
