West Coast EMT Block Exam #1 Questions and
Answers
INTRODUCTION:
This package is designed for West Coast EMT students preparing for their first major block
examination. The content aligns with the initial modules of the West Coast EMT curriculum,
covering foundational EMT knowledge: EMS systems, roles and responsibilities, legal/ethical
issues, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, baseline vital signs, patient assessment
(scene size-up and primary survey), and introduction to airway management. Questions are
designed to test both recall and application in accordance with the National EMS Education
Standards.
QUESTIONS (80 TOTAL):
1. Within the structure of an EMS system, what is the primary responsibility of the EMT related
to quality improvement (QI)?
A. Designing new QI protocols for the service
B. Collecting data only when specifically instructed by a supervisor
C. Accurately documenting all patient care and submitting run reports
D. Formally reprimanding partners for protocol deviations
Answer: C
Rationale: An EMT's fundamental role in quality improvement is accurate and thorough
documentation. The patient care report (PCR) is the primary source of data for evaluating
system performance, patient outcomes, and protocol compliance. Accurate documentation
allows for meaningful QI analysis.
2. A 25-year-old male is found unconscious on the sidewalk. During your primary survey, you
note he has gurgling respirations. What is your immediate intervention?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
B. Begin positive pressure ventilations with a bag-valve mask
C. Suction the airway
D. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver and assess for obstruction
Answer: C
,Rationale: Gurgling respirations indicate a liquid airway obstruction (e.g., blood, vomit). The
immediate action is to suction the oropharynx to clear the liquid and secure a patent airway. A
jaw-thrust (D) may be needed concurrently, but suctioning addresses the specific sound.
Inserting an OPA (A) into a potentially obstructed airway is contraindicated.
3. What is the correct anatomical term for the structure commonly referred to as the
"collarbone"?
A. Scapula
B. Sternum
C. Clavicle
D. Acromion
Answer: C
Rationale: The clavicle is the long bone that connects the sternum to the scapula, located
superior to the first rib. It is the anatomical name for the collarbone.
4. You are assessing a responsive 40-year-old female with abdominal pain. What is the correct
order of assessment for this patient?
A. Secondary assessment, Vital signs, History taking
B. Scene size-up, Primary survey, History taking, Secondary assessment
C. Primary survey, Treatment, Transport decision
D. Focused assessment, Vital signs, Primary survey
Answer: B
Rationale: For a responsive medical patient, the correct sequence is: 1) Scene Size-up (ensure
safety, determine MOI/NOI), 2) Primary Survey (rapidly identify/treat life-threats; in a
responsive patient, this is a quick assessment of mental status and chief complaint), 3) History
Taking (SAMPLE/OPQRST), 4) Secondary Assessment (focused physical exam based on chief
complaint). This follows the standard patient assessment flow.
5. Which of the following best describes the term "prone"?
A. Lying on the back facing upward
B. Lying face down on the abdomen
C. Sitting upright at a 45-degree angle
, D. Lying on the side with knees bent
Answer: B
Rationale: The anatomical position "prone" refers to lying face down on the abdomen. "Supine"
(A) describes lying on the back. These topographic terms are essential for accurate patient
positioning descriptions and documentation.
6. An EMT arrives at a motor vehicle collision scene and observes downed power lines
contacting the vehicle. What is the appropriate immediate action?
A. Approach the vehicle rapidly to assess patient status
B. Ensure the scene is safe and wait for the power company to secure the lines
C. Use a wooden stick to move the power lines away from the vehicle
D. Spray the power lines with a fire extinguisher to de-energize them
Answer: B
Rationale: Scene safety is the highest priority. Downed power lines present an extreme
electrical hazard. The EMT must ensure scene safety, establish a safe perimeter, and wait for
trained personnel (utility company) to secure the hazard before patient contact.
7. What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?
A. Voluntary control of skeletal muscles
B. Involuntary regulation of internal organs and glands
C. Transmission of pain sensations to the brain
D. Coordination of fine motor movements
Answer: B
Rationale: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary functions of internal
organs, smooth muscle, and glands, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It
operates without conscious control, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
8. A 16-year-old patient requires transport but refuses care, stating, "I don't want to go to the
hospital." The patient is alert, oriented, and understands the consequences of refusal. What is
the EMT's primary responsibility?
A. Transport the patient against their will for their own safety
B. Contact law enforcement to force the patient to go
Answers
INTRODUCTION:
This package is designed for West Coast EMT students preparing for their first major block
examination. The content aligns with the initial modules of the West Coast EMT curriculum,
covering foundational EMT knowledge: EMS systems, roles and responsibilities, legal/ethical
issues, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, baseline vital signs, patient assessment
(scene size-up and primary survey), and introduction to airway management. Questions are
designed to test both recall and application in accordance with the National EMS Education
Standards.
QUESTIONS (80 TOTAL):
1. Within the structure of an EMS system, what is the primary responsibility of the EMT related
to quality improvement (QI)?
A. Designing new QI protocols for the service
B. Collecting data only when specifically instructed by a supervisor
C. Accurately documenting all patient care and submitting run reports
D. Formally reprimanding partners for protocol deviations
Answer: C
Rationale: An EMT's fundamental role in quality improvement is accurate and thorough
documentation. The patient care report (PCR) is the primary source of data for evaluating
system performance, patient outcomes, and protocol compliance. Accurate documentation
allows for meaningful QI analysis.
2. A 25-year-old male is found unconscious on the sidewalk. During your primary survey, you
note he has gurgling respirations. What is your immediate intervention?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
B. Begin positive pressure ventilations with a bag-valve mask
C. Suction the airway
D. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver and assess for obstruction
Answer: C
,Rationale: Gurgling respirations indicate a liquid airway obstruction (e.g., blood, vomit). The
immediate action is to suction the oropharynx to clear the liquid and secure a patent airway. A
jaw-thrust (D) may be needed concurrently, but suctioning addresses the specific sound.
Inserting an OPA (A) into a potentially obstructed airway is contraindicated.
3. What is the correct anatomical term for the structure commonly referred to as the
"collarbone"?
A. Scapula
B. Sternum
C. Clavicle
D. Acromion
Answer: C
Rationale: The clavicle is the long bone that connects the sternum to the scapula, located
superior to the first rib. It is the anatomical name for the collarbone.
4. You are assessing a responsive 40-year-old female with abdominal pain. What is the correct
order of assessment for this patient?
A. Secondary assessment, Vital signs, History taking
B. Scene size-up, Primary survey, History taking, Secondary assessment
C. Primary survey, Treatment, Transport decision
D. Focused assessment, Vital signs, Primary survey
Answer: B
Rationale: For a responsive medical patient, the correct sequence is: 1) Scene Size-up (ensure
safety, determine MOI/NOI), 2) Primary Survey (rapidly identify/treat life-threats; in a
responsive patient, this is a quick assessment of mental status and chief complaint), 3) History
Taking (SAMPLE/OPQRST), 4) Secondary Assessment (focused physical exam based on chief
complaint). This follows the standard patient assessment flow.
5. Which of the following best describes the term "prone"?
A. Lying on the back facing upward
B. Lying face down on the abdomen
C. Sitting upright at a 45-degree angle
, D. Lying on the side with knees bent
Answer: B
Rationale: The anatomical position "prone" refers to lying face down on the abdomen. "Supine"
(A) describes lying on the back. These topographic terms are essential for accurate patient
positioning descriptions and documentation.
6. An EMT arrives at a motor vehicle collision scene and observes downed power lines
contacting the vehicle. What is the appropriate immediate action?
A. Approach the vehicle rapidly to assess patient status
B. Ensure the scene is safe and wait for the power company to secure the lines
C. Use a wooden stick to move the power lines away from the vehicle
D. Spray the power lines with a fire extinguisher to de-energize them
Answer: B
Rationale: Scene safety is the highest priority. Downed power lines present an extreme
electrical hazard. The EMT must ensure scene safety, establish a safe perimeter, and wait for
trained personnel (utility company) to secure the hazard before patient contact.
7. What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?
A. Voluntary control of skeletal muscles
B. Involuntary regulation of internal organs and glands
C. Transmission of pain sensations to the brain
D. Coordination of fine motor movements
Answer: B
Rationale: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary functions of internal
organs, smooth muscle, and glands, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It
operates without conscious control, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
8. A 16-year-old patient requires transport but refuses care, stating, "I don't want to go to the
hospital." The patient is alert, oriented, and understands the consequences of refusal. What is
the EMT's primary responsibility?
A. Transport the patient against their will for their own safety
B. Contact law enforcement to force the patient to go
