NYC DCAS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SPECIALIST – EMT EXAM: COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
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Core Domains
1. Patient Assessment and Scene Size-Up
2. Airway Management, Breathing, and Ventilation
3. Cardiovascular Emergencies and Resuscitation
4. Medical Emergencies and Pathophysiology
5. Trauma and Shock Management
6. Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Neonatal Care
7. EMS Operations, Triage, and Incident Command
8. Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards
9. Pharmacology and Medication Administration
10. Environmental, Toxicologic, and Behavioral Emergencies
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills required for the NYC
DCAS Emergency Medical Specialist – EMT examination. It measures competency in patient assessment,
airway management, cardiovascular and medical emergencies, trauma care, obstetrics and pediatrics,
EMS operations, legal and ethical standards, and pharmacology. The examination employs a multiple-
choice and scenario-based structure aligned with the NYC REMAC Unified Protocols, NYS DOH BEMS
certification requirements, and FDNY operational policies. Emphasis is placed on real-world application,
rapid decision-making, and adherence to scope of practice in high-stress prehospital environments.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to prioritize scene safety, deliver evidence-based emergency
care, and communicate effectively with patients and receiving facilities. Successful completion indicates
readiness for the responsibilities of a municipal Emergency Medical Specialist – EMT.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
You arrive on scene for an unresponsive adult. The patient is not breathing but has a pulse. What is the
next step?
A. Begin chest compressions
B. Provide rescue breathing
C. Apply AED
D. Wait for ALS
🟢 B. Provide rescue breathing
🔴 RATIONALE: A patient with a pulse but inadequate respirations requires ventilation support, not
compressions. The EMT should open the airway and provide rescue breathing with a BVM.
Question 2
,Which airway adjunct is most appropriate for an unconscious patient with no gag reflex?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Simple face mask
🟢 B. Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
🔴 RATIONALE: An OPA is indicated for unconscious patients without a gag reflex to maintain airway
patency. It should not be used if the patient has a gag reflex.
Question 3
A 54-year-old male complains of chest pressure radiating to his left arm. He is pale, diaphoretic, and
short of breath. What is the EMT's priority intervention?
A. Obtain a full medical history
B. Administer oral glucose
C. Provide high-flow oxygen and prepare for transport
D. Encourage the patient to walk to the ambulance
🟢 C. Provide high-flow oxygen and prepare for transport
🔴 RATIONALE: In suspected acute coronary syndrome, the priority is to support oxygenation and
rapid transport to definitive care while minimizing delay. Walking would increase cardiac workload.
Question 4
Which of the following is the most appropriate first step when approaching a trauma scene?
A. Begin patient assessment
B. Ensure scene safety
C. Move the patient immediately
D. Administer oxygen
🟢 B. Ensure scene safety
🔴 RATIONALE: Scene safety is the top priority to protect both the patient and the EMS provider
before care is given.
Question 5
An EMT arrives at a patient with an obstructed airway. The patient is conscious and coughing
effectively. What should the EMT do?
A. Perform abdominal thrusts immediately
B. Encourage the patient to continue coughing
C. Perform a finger sweep
D. Provide back blows only
, 🟢 B. Encourage the patient to continue coughing
🔴 RATIONALE: If the patient can cough effectively, it is best to encourage coughing rather than
intervene immediately. Interference may convert a partial obstruction to a complete one.
Question 6
During the primary assessment of an unresponsive trauma patient, which action should an EMT
perform FIRST to establish a patent airway?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway adjunct
B. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver without head extension
C. Perform a head-tilt chin-lift maneuver
D. Apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
🟢 B. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver without head extension
🔴 RATIONALE: In trauma patients with suspected spinal injury, the jaw-thrust maneuver is preferred
to open the airway without moving the cervical spine.
Question 7
Which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A. Hot, dry skin
B. Rapid pulse, confusion, and sweating
C. Slow heart rate and hypotension
D. Jaundice and bruising
🟢 B. Rapid pulse, confusion, and sweating
🔴 RATIONALE: Hypoglycemia presents with adrenergic symptoms such as tachycardia, diaphoresis,
and altered mental status.
Question 8
What is the normal range for adult resting heart rate?
A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 100–120 bpm
D. 120–140 bpm
🟢 B. 60–100 bpm
🔴 RATIONALE: The normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult ranges between 60 and 100 beats per
minute.
Question 9
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Core Domains
1. Patient Assessment and Scene Size-Up
2. Airway Management, Breathing, and Ventilation
3. Cardiovascular Emergencies and Resuscitation
4. Medical Emergencies and Pathophysiology
5. Trauma and Shock Management
6. Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Neonatal Care
7. EMS Operations, Triage, and Incident Command
8. Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards
9. Pharmacology and Medication Administration
10. Environmental, Toxicologic, and Behavioral Emergencies
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills required for the NYC
DCAS Emergency Medical Specialist – EMT examination. It measures competency in patient assessment,
airway management, cardiovascular and medical emergencies, trauma care, obstetrics and pediatrics,
EMS operations, legal and ethical standards, and pharmacology. The examination employs a multiple-
choice and scenario-based structure aligned with the NYC REMAC Unified Protocols, NYS DOH BEMS
certification requirements, and FDNY operational policies. Emphasis is placed on real-world application,
rapid decision-making, and adherence to scope of practice in high-stress prehospital environments.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to prioritize scene safety, deliver evidence-based emergency
care, and communicate effectively with patients and receiving facilities. Successful completion indicates
readiness for the responsibilities of a municipal Emergency Medical Specialist – EMT.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
You arrive on scene for an unresponsive adult. The patient is not breathing but has a pulse. What is the
next step?
A. Begin chest compressions
B. Provide rescue breathing
C. Apply AED
D. Wait for ALS
🟢 B. Provide rescue breathing
🔴 RATIONALE: A patient with a pulse but inadequate respirations requires ventilation support, not
compressions. The EMT should open the airway and provide rescue breathing with a BVM.
Question 2
,Which airway adjunct is most appropriate for an unconscious patient with no gag reflex?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Simple face mask
🟢 B. Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
🔴 RATIONALE: An OPA is indicated for unconscious patients without a gag reflex to maintain airway
patency. It should not be used if the patient has a gag reflex.
Question 3
A 54-year-old male complains of chest pressure radiating to his left arm. He is pale, diaphoretic, and
short of breath. What is the EMT's priority intervention?
A. Obtain a full medical history
B. Administer oral glucose
C. Provide high-flow oxygen and prepare for transport
D. Encourage the patient to walk to the ambulance
🟢 C. Provide high-flow oxygen and prepare for transport
🔴 RATIONALE: In suspected acute coronary syndrome, the priority is to support oxygenation and
rapid transport to definitive care while minimizing delay. Walking would increase cardiac workload.
Question 4
Which of the following is the most appropriate first step when approaching a trauma scene?
A. Begin patient assessment
B. Ensure scene safety
C. Move the patient immediately
D. Administer oxygen
🟢 B. Ensure scene safety
🔴 RATIONALE: Scene safety is the top priority to protect both the patient and the EMS provider
before care is given.
Question 5
An EMT arrives at a patient with an obstructed airway. The patient is conscious and coughing
effectively. What should the EMT do?
A. Perform abdominal thrusts immediately
B. Encourage the patient to continue coughing
C. Perform a finger sweep
D. Provide back blows only
, 🟢 B. Encourage the patient to continue coughing
🔴 RATIONALE: If the patient can cough effectively, it is best to encourage coughing rather than
intervene immediately. Interference may convert a partial obstruction to a complete one.
Question 6
During the primary assessment of an unresponsive trauma patient, which action should an EMT
perform FIRST to establish a patent airway?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway adjunct
B. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver without head extension
C. Perform a head-tilt chin-lift maneuver
D. Apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
🟢 B. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver without head extension
🔴 RATIONALE: In trauma patients with suspected spinal injury, the jaw-thrust maneuver is preferred
to open the airway without moving the cervical spine.
Question 7
Which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A. Hot, dry skin
B. Rapid pulse, confusion, and sweating
C. Slow heart rate and hypotension
D. Jaundice and bruising
🟢 B. Rapid pulse, confusion, and sweating
🔴 RATIONALE: Hypoglycemia presents with adrenergic symptoms such as tachycardia, diaphoresis,
and altered mental status.
Question 8
What is the normal range for adult resting heart rate?
A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 100–120 bpm
D. 120–140 bpm
🟢 B. 60–100 bpm
🔴 RATIONALE: The normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult ranges between 60 and 100 beats per
minute.
Question 9
