PCP EMS Operations and Scene Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which principle of the Incident Command System (ICS) limits the number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage?
- Unity of command
- Span of control (Correct answer)
- Chain of command
- Modular organization
Correct answer: Span of control
Span of control defines the recommended ratio of 3–7 subordinates per supervisor to maintain effective oversight.
Question 2: When arriving at a motor vehicle collision, what is the FIRST priority for EMS personnel?
- Triage all patients
- Establish an IV line on the most critical patient
- Ensure scene safety (Correct answer)
- Request additional resources
Correct answer: Ensure scene safety
Scene safety must be confirmed before patient contact to prevent responders from becoming additional casualties.
Question 3: In a mass casualty incident using START triage, a patient who is breathing at 24 breaths per minute with a radial pulse and follows commands is tagged:
- Red (immediate)
- Yellow (delayed) (Correct answer)
- Green (minor)
- Black (expectant)
Correct answer: Yellow (delayed)
In START triage, a patient who breathes, has a radial pulse, and can follow commands but has a respiratory rate >20 is classified Yellow (delayed).
Question 4: What is the recommended safe distance from a vehicle that may have a hybrid or electric battery fire during scene size-up?
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet (Correct answer)
- 150 feet
Correct answer: 100 feet
A minimum of 100 feet is recommended from hybrid/electric vehicle fires due to risk of battery reignition and toxic off-gassing.
Question 5: Which document outlines the responsibilities and authority of emergency responders during a declared disaster in the United States?
- National EMS Scope of Practice Model
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) (Correct answer)
- Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Correct answer: National Incident Management System (NIMS)
NIMS provides a consistent nationwide framework for emergency management, including roles and responsibilities during disasters.
Question 6: When using the power lift technique to move a stretcher, paramedics should:
- Bend at the waist with knees straight
- Keep the back straight and lift with the legs (Correct answer)
- Twist the torso to redirect the load
- Let the stronger partner do most of the lifting
Correct answer: Keep the back straight and lift with the legs
The power lift requires a straight back and lifting with the legs to protect the spine and reduce injury risk.
Question 7: Which zone in a hazardous materials incident is where patient decontamination occurs?
- Hot zone (exclusion zone)
- Warm zone (contamination reduction zone) (Correct answer)
- Cold zone (support zone)
- Command zone
Correct answer: Warm zone (contamination reduction zone)
Decontamination takes place in the warm zone, which is the transition area between the contaminated hot zone and the clean cold zone.
