EMT FISDAP TRAUMA EXAM / NEW VERSION UPDATE / ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ELABORATE ANSWERS/ ALREADY
GRADED A+
1. What is the primary goal of the prehospital trauma assessment, and how is it
structured?
The primary goal is to identify and treat life-threatening injuries rapidly.
Assessment follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing, Circulation,
Disability (neurologic status), and Exposure (full-body assessment for hidden
injuries).
2. How does an EMT recognize signs of severe airway obstruction in a trauma
patient?
Severe obstruction is indicated by stridor, gurgling, cyanosis, inability to speak,
accessory muscle use, and altered mental status. Immediate airway intervention,
including suctioning or advanced airway placement, is necessary to prevent
hypoxia.
3. Why is cervical spine immobilization critical for trauma patients, and what
techniques are used?
Immobilization prevents secondary spinal cord injury. Techniques include cervical
collars, manual in-line stabilization, and using long spine boards or scoop
stretchers for patient movement.
4. What are the early indicators of hemorrhagic shock in trauma patients?
Early signs include tachycardia, hypotension, pallor, diaphoresis, anxiety, and
delayed capillary refill. Rapid identification allows for immediate bleeding control
and fluid resuscitation.
5. How should a patient with an impaled object be managed in the prehospital
setting?
The object should be stabilized without removal to prevent worsening hemorrhage
, or organ damage. Surrounding tissue can be padded with sterile dressings, and
rapid transport is indicated.
6. What are the field interventions for a patient experiencing tension
pneumothorax?
Needle decompression is performed at the second intercostal space midclavicular
line, followed by oxygen therapy and rapid transport. Immediate intervention is
life-saving to restore ventilation and circulation.
7. Why is the mechanism of injury (MOI) important in trauma assessment?
MOI helps predict the likelihood and severity of internal injuries even if the
patient appears stable. High-risk mechanisms guide rapid assessment, triage, and
transport decisions.
8. How does EMS identify and manage flail chest in trauma patients?
Flail chest is indicated by paradoxical movement of a segment of the chest. EMS
provides oxygen, pain management, possible stabilization of the segment, and
rapid transport for definitive care.
9. What are the priorities for managing an open fracture in the field?
Cover the wound with sterile dressing, control bleeding, immobilize the limb, and
avoid reducing bone fragments in the field. Proper management reduces infection,
further tissue damage, and pain.
10. Why is monitoring distal pulses important after extremity trauma?
Distal pulses indicate perfusion. Loss or weakness may suggest vascular
compromise, requiring urgent transport and continued monitoring.
11. What are the signs and symptoms of a pelvic fracture, and how is it managed
prehospital?
Signs include pelvic pain, instability, bruising, and hypotension. Management
involves applying a pelvic binder, controlling external bleeding, IV access, and
rapid transport.
12. How is airway management prioritized in unconscious trauma patients?
Unconscious patients lose protective airway reflexes. Suctioning, airway adjuncts,
, or advanced airway placement may be necessary to prevent aspiration and
maintain oxygenation.
13. What is the importance of oxygen therapy in trauma patients?
Oxygen supports tissue perfusion and prevents hypoxia caused by blood loss,
shock, or respiratory compromise. Delivery methods include nasal cannula, non-
rebreather mask, or bag-valve-mask ventilation.
14. How should EMS manage a patient with suspected internal abdominal
bleeding?
Avoid excessive palpation, provide oxygen, establish IV access, monitor vital
signs, and transport rapidly. Early detection and transport reduce morbidity and
mortality.
15. Why is repeated assessment of neurological status important in head injury?
Neurologic deterioration may occur rapidly due to intracranial bleeding or
swelling. Serial GCS checks, pupil assessments, and monitoring for posturing
allow timely intervention and transport.
16. What interventions are indicated for a patient with a sucking chest wound?
Apply a three-sided occlusive dressing, monitor for tension pneumothorax,
provide oxygen, and transport rapidly. This prevents worsening respiratory
compromise.
17. How should chemical burns be treated in the prehospital setting?
Remove the patient from the chemical source, flush the area with copious water,
remove contaminated clothing, and cover with sterile dressing. Rapid
decontamination limits tissue damage.
18. What are the early signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in trauma
patients?
Signs include deteriorating GCS, unequal or nonreactive pupils, bradycardia,
hypertension, headache, and vomiting. Early recognition allows rapid airway
management and transport.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ELABORATE ANSWERS/ ALREADY
GRADED A+
1. What is the primary goal of the prehospital trauma assessment, and how is it
structured?
The primary goal is to identify and treat life-threatening injuries rapidly.
Assessment follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing, Circulation,
Disability (neurologic status), and Exposure (full-body assessment for hidden
injuries).
2. How does an EMT recognize signs of severe airway obstruction in a trauma
patient?
Severe obstruction is indicated by stridor, gurgling, cyanosis, inability to speak,
accessory muscle use, and altered mental status. Immediate airway intervention,
including suctioning or advanced airway placement, is necessary to prevent
hypoxia.
3. Why is cervical spine immobilization critical for trauma patients, and what
techniques are used?
Immobilization prevents secondary spinal cord injury. Techniques include cervical
collars, manual in-line stabilization, and using long spine boards or scoop
stretchers for patient movement.
4. What are the early indicators of hemorrhagic shock in trauma patients?
Early signs include tachycardia, hypotension, pallor, diaphoresis, anxiety, and
delayed capillary refill. Rapid identification allows for immediate bleeding control
and fluid resuscitation.
5. How should a patient with an impaled object be managed in the prehospital
setting?
The object should be stabilized without removal to prevent worsening hemorrhage
, or organ damage. Surrounding tissue can be padded with sterile dressings, and
rapid transport is indicated.
6. What are the field interventions for a patient experiencing tension
pneumothorax?
Needle decompression is performed at the second intercostal space midclavicular
line, followed by oxygen therapy and rapid transport. Immediate intervention is
life-saving to restore ventilation and circulation.
7. Why is the mechanism of injury (MOI) important in trauma assessment?
MOI helps predict the likelihood and severity of internal injuries even if the
patient appears stable. High-risk mechanisms guide rapid assessment, triage, and
transport decisions.
8. How does EMS identify and manage flail chest in trauma patients?
Flail chest is indicated by paradoxical movement of a segment of the chest. EMS
provides oxygen, pain management, possible stabilization of the segment, and
rapid transport for definitive care.
9. What are the priorities for managing an open fracture in the field?
Cover the wound with sterile dressing, control bleeding, immobilize the limb, and
avoid reducing bone fragments in the field. Proper management reduces infection,
further tissue damage, and pain.
10. Why is monitoring distal pulses important after extremity trauma?
Distal pulses indicate perfusion. Loss or weakness may suggest vascular
compromise, requiring urgent transport and continued monitoring.
11. What are the signs and symptoms of a pelvic fracture, and how is it managed
prehospital?
Signs include pelvic pain, instability, bruising, and hypotension. Management
involves applying a pelvic binder, controlling external bleeding, IV access, and
rapid transport.
12. How is airway management prioritized in unconscious trauma patients?
Unconscious patients lose protective airway reflexes. Suctioning, airway adjuncts,
, or advanced airway placement may be necessary to prevent aspiration and
maintain oxygenation.
13. What is the importance of oxygen therapy in trauma patients?
Oxygen supports tissue perfusion and prevents hypoxia caused by blood loss,
shock, or respiratory compromise. Delivery methods include nasal cannula, non-
rebreather mask, or bag-valve-mask ventilation.
14. How should EMS manage a patient with suspected internal abdominal
bleeding?
Avoid excessive palpation, provide oxygen, establish IV access, monitor vital
signs, and transport rapidly. Early detection and transport reduce morbidity and
mortality.
15. Why is repeated assessment of neurological status important in head injury?
Neurologic deterioration may occur rapidly due to intracranial bleeding or
swelling. Serial GCS checks, pupil assessments, and monitoring for posturing
allow timely intervention and transport.
16. What interventions are indicated for a patient with a sucking chest wound?
Apply a three-sided occlusive dressing, monitor for tension pneumothorax,
provide oxygen, and transport rapidly. This prevents worsening respiratory
compromise.
17. How should chemical burns be treated in the prehospital setting?
Remove the patient from the chemical source, flush the area with copious water,
remove contaminated clothing, and cover with sterile dressing. Rapid
decontamination limits tissue damage.
18. What are the early signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in trauma
patients?
Signs include deteriorating GCS, unequal or nonreactive pupils, bradycardia,
hypertension, headache, and vomiting. Early recognition allows rapid airway
management and transport.
