NYC Emergency Medical Specialist Exam 2026 – 195 EMT-Level
Practice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales, NYC
REMAC Protocols, Patient Assessment, Trauma, Medical
Emergencies & Scope of Practice
SECTION 1: READING COMPREHENSION & VERBAL REASONING
Directions: Read the following passages and answer the questions based on the information
provided or implied.
Question 1
A fire requires three elements to sustain combustion: fuel, oxygen, and heat. This is known
as the fire triangle. When one of these elements is removed, the fire will extinguish.
Firefighters often use water to cool the fuel, removing the heat element. However, in certain
electrical fires, water is dangerous because it conducts electricity. In these cases, a dry
chemical extinguisher is used to smother the fire, removing the oxygen element.
Based on the passage, which method of extinguishment is primarily achieved by using a dry
chemical extinguisher?
A. Removing the fuel source
B. Cooling the burning material
C. Removing the oxygen supply
D. Increasing the ignition temperature
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that dry chemical extinguishers "smother the fire,
removing the oxygen element," making C the Correct Answer.
,Question 2
A fire requires three elements to sustain combustion: fuel, oxygen, and heat. This is known
as the fire triangle. When one of these elements is removed, the fire will extinguish.
Firefighters often use water to cool the fuel, removing the heat element. However, in certain
electrical fires, water is dangerous because it conducts electricity. In these cases, a dry
chemical extinguisher is used to smother the fire, removing the oxygen element.
According to the passage, why is water contraindicated for use on electrical fires?
A. Water is not readily available at electrical fire scenes.
B. Water conducts electricity and poses a shock hazard.
C. Water removes heat too quickly, causing an explosion.
D. Water adds oxygen to the fire, intensifying it.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The passage directly states that water is dangerous in electrical fires "because it
conducts electricity," posing a shock risk to the operator.
Question 3
The FDNY responds to a wide variety of emergencies, not just fires. These include medical
emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazardous material spills, and water rescues. The
department's goal is to protect life and property. To do this effectively, firefighters must be
cross-trained in multiple disciplines. A firefighter on a ladder truck may be responsible for
ventilation, search and rescue, and forcible entry, while an engine company firefighter
focuses on water supply and hose advancement.
Which of the following is NOT listed in the passage as an emergency the FDNY responds to?
A. Hazardous material spills
B. Water rescues
,C. Structural collapses
D. Vehicle accidents
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The passage lists fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazmat spills,
and water rescues. Structural collapses are not mentioned.
Question 4
The FDNY responds to a wide variety of emergencies, not just fires. These include medical
emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazardous material spills, and water rescues. The
department's goal is to protect life and property. To do this effectively, firefighters must be
cross-trained in multiple disciplines. A firefighter on a ladder truck may be responsible for
ventilation, search and rescue, and forcible entry, while an engine company firefighter
focuses on water supply and hose advancement.
Based on the passage, what is a primary responsibility of a ladder truck firefighter?
A. Establishing a water supply
B. Advancing hose lines
C. Ventilation and search and rescue
D. Managing hazardous material spills
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The passage specifically assigns ventilation, search and rescue, and forcible
entry to the ladder truck firefighter.
Question 5
, Scenario: You are a firefighter responding to a report of smoke in a high-rise apartment
building. Upon arrival, you see light smoke coming from a 10th-floor window. The building's
fire alarm system is activated. As you enter the lobby, a panicked resident runs up to you and
says, "My neighbor is trapped on the 10th floor! The stairs are filled with smoke!" According
to standard procedure, what should you do first?
A. Immediately run up the stairs to the 10th floor to rescue the neighbor.
B. Calm the resident and ask for specific details about the neighbor's location.
C. Ignore the resident and proceed to the fire command station.
D. Use the elevator to reach the 10th floor quickly.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Gathering specific, accurate information from witnesses is a critical first step
before committing to a rescue, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Question 6
Scenario: You are a firefighter responding to a report of smoke in a high-rise apartment
building. Upon arrival, you see light smoke coming from a 10th-floor window. The building's
fire alarm system is activated. As you enter the lobby, a panicked resident runs up to you and
says, "My neighbor is trapped on the 10th floor! The stairs are filled with smoke!" Why
should you avoid using the elevator in this situation?
A. Elevators are reserved for medical personnel only.
B. The elevator could be a chimney for fire and smoke, or lose power.
C. The elevator is too slow for emergency response.
D. The elevator requires a special key that you do not have.
Correct Answer: B
Practice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales, NYC
REMAC Protocols, Patient Assessment, Trauma, Medical
Emergencies & Scope of Practice
SECTION 1: READING COMPREHENSION & VERBAL REASONING
Directions: Read the following passages and answer the questions based on the information
provided or implied.
Question 1
A fire requires three elements to sustain combustion: fuel, oxygen, and heat. This is known
as the fire triangle. When one of these elements is removed, the fire will extinguish.
Firefighters often use water to cool the fuel, removing the heat element. However, in certain
electrical fires, water is dangerous because it conducts electricity. In these cases, a dry
chemical extinguisher is used to smother the fire, removing the oxygen element.
Based on the passage, which method of extinguishment is primarily achieved by using a dry
chemical extinguisher?
A. Removing the fuel source
B. Cooling the burning material
C. Removing the oxygen supply
D. Increasing the ignition temperature
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that dry chemical extinguishers "smother the fire,
removing the oxygen element," making C the Correct Answer.
,Question 2
A fire requires three elements to sustain combustion: fuel, oxygen, and heat. This is known
as the fire triangle. When one of these elements is removed, the fire will extinguish.
Firefighters often use water to cool the fuel, removing the heat element. However, in certain
electrical fires, water is dangerous because it conducts electricity. In these cases, a dry
chemical extinguisher is used to smother the fire, removing the oxygen element.
According to the passage, why is water contraindicated for use on electrical fires?
A. Water is not readily available at electrical fire scenes.
B. Water conducts electricity and poses a shock hazard.
C. Water removes heat too quickly, causing an explosion.
D. Water adds oxygen to the fire, intensifying it.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The passage directly states that water is dangerous in electrical fires "because it
conducts electricity," posing a shock risk to the operator.
Question 3
The FDNY responds to a wide variety of emergencies, not just fires. These include medical
emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazardous material spills, and water rescues. The
department's goal is to protect life and property. To do this effectively, firefighters must be
cross-trained in multiple disciplines. A firefighter on a ladder truck may be responsible for
ventilation, search and rescue, and forcible entry, while an engine company firefighter
focuses on water supply and hose advancement.
Which of the following is NOT listed in the passage as an emergency the FDNY responds to?
A. Hazardous material spills
B. Water rescues
,C. Structural collapses
D. Vehicle accidents
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The passage lists fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazmat spills,
and water rescues. Structural collapses are not mentioned.
Question 4
The FDNY responds to a wide variety of emergencies, not just fires. These include medical
emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazardous material spills, and water rescues. The
department's goal is to protect life and property. To do this effectively, firefighters must be
cross-trained in multiple disciplines. A firefighter on a ladder truck may be responsible for
ventilation, search and rescue, and forcible entry, while an engine company firefighter
focuses on water supply and hose advancement.
Based on the passage, what is a primary responsibility of a ladder truck firefighter?
A. Establishing a water supply
B. Advancing hose lines
C. Ventilation and search and rescue
D. Managing hazardous material spills
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The passage specifically assigns ventilation, search and rescue, and forcible
entry to the ladder truck firefighter.
Question 5
, Scenario: You are a firefighter responding to a report of smoke in a high-rise apartment
building. Upon arrival, you see light smoke coming from a 10th-floor window. The building's
fire alarm system is activated. As you enter the lobby, a panicked resident runs up to you and
says, "My neighbor is trapped on the 10th floor! The stairs are filled with smoke!" According
to standard procedure, what should you do first?
A. Immediately run up the stairs to the 10th floor to rescue the neighbor.
B. Calm the resident and ask for specific details about the neighbor's location.
C. Ignore the resident and proceed to the fire command station.
D. Use the elevator to reach the 10th floor quickly.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Gathering specific, accurate information from witnesses is a critical first step
before committing to a rescue, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Question 6
Scenario: You are a firefighter responding to a report of smoke in a high-rise apartment
building. Upon arrival, you see light smoke coming from a 10th-floor window. The building's
fire alarm system is activated. As you enter the lobby, a panicked resident runs up to you and
says, "My neighbor is trapped on the 10th floor! The stairs are filled with smoke!" Why
should you avoid using the elevator in this situation?
A. Elevators are reserved for medical personnel only.
B. The elevator could be a chimney for fire and smoke, or lose power.
C. The elevator is too slow for emergency response.
D. The elevator requires a special key that you do not have.
Correct Answer: B
