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WEST COAST EMT BLOCK EXAM
1|COMPREHENSIVE Q&A FOR CERTIFICATION
SUCCESS 2026
As you and your partner are carrying a stable patient down a flight of stairs in a
stair chair, you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back. You should:
Select one:
A. stop the move and request additional lifting assistance.
B. stop the move and have the patient walk down the stairs.
C. guide your partner while moving the chair backwards.
D. reposition your hands and continue to move the patient. - correct-answer -A.
stop the move and request additional lifting assistance.
In contrast to typical wheeled ambulance stretchers, features of a bariatric
stretcher include:
Select one:
A. two safety rails on both sides of the stretcher.
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B. increased stability from a wider wheelbase.
C. weight capacity of up to 650 lb.
D. a collapsible undercarriage. - correct-answer -B. increased stability from a
wider wheelbase.
It is essential that you ____________ your equipment to prevent the spread of
disease.
Select one:
A. properly store
B. decontaminate
C. throw out
D. incinerate - correct-answer -B. decontaminate
The _________ is both the mechanical weight-bearing base of the spinal column
and the fused central posterior section of the pelvic girdle.
Select one:
A. coccyx
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B. ischium
C. sacrum
D. thorax - correct-answer -C. sacrum
The MOST serious consequence of a poorly planned or rushed patient move is:
Select one:
A. confusion among team members.
B. unnecessarily wasting time.
C. causing patient anxiety or fear.
D. injury to you or your patient. - correct-answer -D. injury to you or your patient.
The proper technique for using the power grip is to:
Select one:
A. hold the handle with your fingers.
B. position your hands about 6² apart.
C. lift with your palms up.
D. rotate your palms down. - correct-answer -C. lift with your palms up.
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To facilitate a safe and coordinated move, the team leader should:
Select one:
A. use preparatory commands to initiate any moves.
B. never become involved in the move, only direct the move.
C. be positioned at the feet so the team can hear.
D. speak softly but clearly to avoid startling the patient. - correct-answer -A. use
preparatory commands to initiate any moves.
American Heart Association protocols are based on __________.
Select one:
A. theories ready for field trial
B. trends in the EMS community
C. opinions from a core group of cardiologists
D. evidence-based research - correct-answer -D. evidence-based research
WEST COAST EMT BLOCK EXAM
1|COMPREHENSIVE Q&A FOR CERTIFICATION
SUCCESS 2026
As you and your partner are carrying a stable patient down a flight of stairs in a
stair chair, you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back. You should:
Select one:
A. stop the move and request additional lifting assistance.
B. stop the move and have the patient walk down the stairs.
C. guide your partner while moving the chair backwards.
D. reposition your hands and continue to move the patient. - correct-answer -A.
stop the move and request additional lifting assistance.
In contrast to typical wheeled ambulance stretchers, features of a bariatric
stretcher include:
Select one:
A. two safety rails on both sides of the stretcher.
,2|Page
B. increased stability from a wider wheelbase.
C. weight capacity of up to 650 lb.
D. a collapsible undercarriage. - correct-answer -B. increased stability from a
wider wheelbase.
It is essential that you ____________ your equipment to prevent the spread of
disease.
Select one:
A. properly store
B. decontaminate
C. throw out
D. incinerate - correct-answer -B. decontaminate
The _________ is both the mechanical weight-bearing base of the spinal column
and the fused central posterior section of the pelvic girdle.
Select one:
A. coccyx
,3|Page
B. ischium
C. sacrum
D. thorax - correct-answer -C. sacrum
The MOST serious consequence of a poorly planned or rushed patient move is:
Select one:
A. confusion among team members.
B. unnecessarily wasting time.
C. causing patient anxiety or fear.
D. injury to you or your patient. - correct-answer -D. injury to you or your patient.
The proper technique for using the power grip is to:
Select one:
A. hold the handle with your fingers.
B. position your hands about 6² apart.
C. lift with your palms up.
D. rotate your palms down. - correct-answer -C. lift with your palms up.
, 4|Page
To facilitate a safe and coordinated move, the team leader should:
Select one:
A. use preparatory commands to initiate any moves.
B. never become involved in the move, only direct the move.
C. be positioned at the feet so the team can hear.
D. speak softly but clearly to avoid startling the patient. - correct-answer -A. use
preparatory commands to initiate any moves.
American Heart Association protocols are based on __________.
Select one:
A. theories ready for field trial
B. trends in the EMS community
C. opinions from a core group of cardiologists
D. evidence-based research - correct-answer -D. evidence-based research
