Prepare for EMT trauma scenarios with these practice questions and answers. This guide covers bleeding control, fracture management, spinal immobilization, and shock treatment.
Q: Scenario: You are called to the home of a patient who has recovered consciousness after fainting.
Answer: Basic Medical AssessmentScenario: You are called to the home of a patient who has recovered consciousness after fainting.The scene is safe.Vital Signs: As found on the simulated patient.Information:Alert and oriented but slightly anxiousDenies painUnconscious for only a few minutes History of cardiovascular disease No medicationsNo known- allergiesNo obvious precipitating event
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a “man down” call.
Answer: Basic Trauma AssessmentScenario: You are responding to a “man down” call.• Additional personnel are several minutes away.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess an unconscious patient in an organized and comprehensive manner.Staff: 1 student, 1 proctor and t patient. After the assessment is complete, the proctor should assume the role of an incoming rescuer and be given a report by the student.Vital Signs: BP: 100/60, P: 90, R: 26Information:Patient responds to painPupils are unequalNo breath odorsNo medic alert identificationsPatient should be lying on side• Ask student to give a patient report to incoming medical personnel after their assessment is complete.
Q: Scenario: You are called to the home of a patient complaining of abdominal pain.
Answer: Medical Patient with Abdominal PainScenario: You are called to the home of a patient complaining of abdominal pain.The scene is safe. Additional personnel will be arriving on scene in approximately 10 minutes.Staff: 1 student, 1 proctor and 1 patient. After the assessment is complete, the proctor should assume the role of an incoming rescuer and be given a report by the student.Appearance: Patient looks shocky.Vital Signs: BP: 94/50, P: 110, R: 24Information:Patient is lying on side with knees drawn upPatient denies blood in vomit or stoolsPain started approximately 1 hour ago and has increased steadilyPain is a 7 on a ten scalePain is sharp, epigastric and non-radiatingNothing provokes or relieves painPatient is allergic to codeinePatient is not taking any medicationsLast oral intake was about 4 hours ago
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a victim of an assault. The scene is safe.
Answer: Bleeding ControlScenario: You are responding to a victim of an assault. The scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Significant bleeding on one forearmVital Signs: BP: 120/80, P: 80, R: 16Information:Patient has not called law enforcement.Law enforcement is not on-scenePatient was cut by knife while protecting himself from an attackerNo other injuries are presentBleeding is controlled by direct pressure and elevation
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a “man down” call. The scene is -safe.
Answer: Adult Cardiac ArrestScenario: You are responding to a “man down” call. The scene is -safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 CPR manikin.Vital Signs: NoneInformation:Patient has been in cardiac arrest for approximately 10 minutes.After CPR has been initiated, tell students that patient is beginning to vomit.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a “difficulty breathing” call.
Answer: Sick Child with Respiratory DifficultyScenario: You are responding to a “difficulty breathing” call. The scene is safe.• One person will serve as the patient’s family member.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Cyanosis in nail beds and around mouth, droolingVital Signs: BP: 90/50, P: 130, R: 40Information:Patient is a young childPatient is tripoding, drooling, and having difficulty breathingFamily member relates that patient has been sick with an upper respiratory track infection but has suddenly gotten worse. The patient hasn’t been able to eat or drink fluids for several hours.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient reported to have a gunshot wound
Answer: Gunshot Wound to ThighScenario: You are responding to a patient reported to have a gunshot wound.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: GSW to leg with significant bleeding, patient should appear shocky,Vital Signs: BP: 100/60 P:120, R: 26Information:Patient was shot in a hunting accidentThe thigh has both entrance and exit woundsPulse, sensation, and motor function are present distal to woundThere is approximately 1 liter of external blood lossPatient is alert and oriented
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a “person who fell.”
Answer: Chest Injuries Following FallScenario: You are responding to a “person who fell.” The bystander who witnessed the fall and called 911 is no longer present.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient, trauma kit.Appearance: Slight bruising over lower ribs (not floating ribs) on left side of chest in midaxillary line. Small laceration on forehead.Vital Signs: BP: 130/84, P: 80 & Irregularly irregular, R: 16 and shallowInformation:Scenario should be held near staircase or other area where fall likely.Bruising should be over heartPatient has never had cardiac irregularity beforePatient should be splinting left side but should initially deny significant painPain should increase slightly as the practical progressesPatient is alert and orientedPatient should refuse transport but allow students to assess chestBreath sounds are clear and present bilaterallyStudents listening to heart notice irregular sounds Patient doesn’t remember losing consciousnessThere is point tenderness over bruised area
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient who fell while rollerblading.
Answer: Fractured ClavicleScenario: You are responding to a patient who fell while rollerblading.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Bruising over clavicle in midclavicular lineVital Signs: Normal for patientInformation:Patient fell around 20 minutes agoPatient is leaning forward supporting forearm with effected shoulder down and forwardPulse, sensation, and motor function are present distallyPatient put hand out to break fallPatient was wearing a helmet and denies other injuriesPatient is alert and oriented
Q: Scenario: You are responding to an assault outside a local bar.
Answer: Conscious Patient with Head InjuriesScenario: You are responding to an assault outside a local bar. Police are in pursuit of those who assaulted the patient and the scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Bruising on face, head, and neck.Vital Signs: BP: 110/80, P: 90, R: 20Information:Patient responds to verbal stimuli and is oriented to person, time and place.Patient denies losing consciousnessPatient denies pain in, neck or headThere is an odor of alcoholic beverages about the patientPatient agrees to be assessed but refuses treatment and transport
Q: Scenario: You are responding to an “unconscious male” following an assault at a local bar.
Answer: Unresponsive Head Injury PatientScenario: You are responding to an “unconscious male” following an assault at a local bar. I am the officer who called you. The scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient. Proctor will assume roll of law enforcement officer who requested ambulance.Appearance: Bleeding and CSF from ears and nose. Bruises and lacerations around face.Small bruise on ribs.Vital Signs: BP: 190/90 P: 50, R: 10 and irregularInformation:Assault occurred approximately 15 minutes agoPatient never regained consciousnessPatient is unresponsive to painPupils are unequal References:
Q: Scenario: You are responding to “confused person” at a local bank.
Answer: Responsive Diabetic PatientScenario: You are responding to “confused person” at a local bank.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear shocky.Vital Signs: BP: 124/70, P: 100, R: 16Information:Patient responds to verbal commandsPatient has a medic-alert bracelet identifying him as a diabeticPatient should be irritable & confusedPatient can protect his own airwayPatient should become fully alert after ingesting > 30 grams of glucose (the ingestions should be simulated)
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a “full arrest” at a local restaurant.
Answer: AED UseScenario: You are responding to a “full arrest” at a local restaurant.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor, 1 bystander.Vital Signs: NoneInformation:Arrest occurred about 8 minutes agoBystanders started CPRPatient’s airway is obstructed and needs to be clearedProctor should prompt team member handling airway that ventilation is difficult and the patient remains cyanoticPatient should convert to a perfusing rhythm after the airway obstruction is cleared and several shocks have been delivered.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a poisoning. I will act as the poison control center if you choose to contact it.
Answer: Pediatric PoisoningScenario: You are responding to a poisoning. I will act as the poison control center if you choose to contact it.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor, 1 bystander, and 1 patient. Patient should be child capable of taking direction. Proctor should assume role of poison control centerVital Signs: NormalInformation:Patient ingested an unknown quantity of multivitamins approximately 30 minutes ago.Patient is alert, oriented and has not vomited.Poison control center advises team to give 1 gm/kg of activated charcoal and transport.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient having chest pain.
Answer: Cardiac Chest Pain with No NitroglycerinScenario: You are responding to a patient having chest pain. The scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear pale and diaphoreticVital Signs: BP: 110/80, P: 72, R: 16Information:Pain started several hours agoIt’s never occurred beforePain radiates to left shoulder and neck Pain began while patient was at rest Nothing makes it better or worse Patient has no allergies or medications Pain is a 7 on a 10 scale
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient having chest pain.
Answer: Cardiac Chest Pain with NitroglycerinScenario: You are responding to a patient having chest pain. The scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear pale and diaphoreticVital Signs: BP: 110/80, P: 72, R: 16Information:Pain started 20 minutes ago while on a walk, spouse called 911.Patient has history of angina; last episode was 3 months agoPain does not radiateNothing makes it better or worsePatient has nitroglycerin for chest pain and has taken one about 10 minutes agoPatient has no allergiesPain is a 7 on a 10 scale, worse than usualPatient has a headache from pillPatient notes tingling under tongue if additional tablets are administered.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to “difficulty breathing” call.
Answer: Adult Respiratory Distress, No MedicationsScenario: You are responding to “difficulty breathing” call. The scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Vital Signs: BP: 110/80, P: 100, R: 30Information:Patient has had the “flu” for at least a week, coughed and was unable to catch his breath.Patient is sitting upright in moderate distressLung sounds are diminished on left side of chest near apexNo cyanosis is discernable
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a “difficulty breathing” call.
Answer: Adult Respiratory Distress, Patient has InhalerScenario: You are responding to a “difficulty breathing” call. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess and treat an adult patient having a severe asthma attack.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Peripheral and perioral cyanosisVital Signs: BP: 100/60, P: 100, R: 30Information:Patient has history of asthma and has in-date bronchodilator inhalerSpouse called 911SOB started about 30 minutes agoPatient has taken 1 dose from his inhaler prior to your arrivalProctor may have to serve as medical control
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a low speed truck-pedestrian collision.
Answer: Fractured FemurScenario: You are responding to a low speed truck-pedestrian collision. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to treat a patient with an isolated femur fracture.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Bruising around mid-thighVital Signs: BP: 120/84, P: 90, R: 24Information:Patient was hit in thigh by bumper of truck as it turned corner.Patient denies other injuriesPatient has intense pain in mid-thigh
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient suffering from a bee sting.
Answer: Anaphylaxis, with Epinephrine AutoinjectorScenario: You are responding to a patient suffering from a bee sting. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assist the patient in the use of an autoinjector.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Vital Signs: BP: 90/60, P: 112, R: 30Information:Patient has a history of severe allergic reactionsPatient has epinephrine autoinjector but has never used one and needs assistancePatient has no other medications or allergiesLast oral intake was about 2 hours ago
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a possible drug overdose.
Answer: Overdose PatientScenario: You are responding to a possible drug overdose. The scene is safe. There are no bystanders.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to deal with an unconscious overdose patient.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear shockyVital Signs: BP: 100/60, P: 50, R: 10Information:Patient is unconscious and unresponsivePatient should be on back and snoring to start
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a motorcycle crash with injuries
Answer: Fractured Femur and Multiple TraumaScenario: You are responding to a motorcycle crash with injuries.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to make transport decisions about an unstable patient with a fractured femur.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient looks shockyVital Signs: BP: 60/40, P: 112, R: 30Information:Patient has femur fracturePatient has fractured ribs and an unstable pelvisPatient has minor lacerations on headPatient responds to pain
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a motor vehicle crash with injuries.
Answer: Removal of Stable Patient from VehicleScenario: You are responding to a motor vehicle crash with injuries. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to remove a patient who is stable and has no discernable injuries in a safe and controlled manner.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Vital Signs: BP: 130/84 P: 90, R: 20Information:Patient’s vehicle was rear endedPatient has slight cervical painPatient denies other injuries and painPatient is alert and oriented
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a motor vehicle crash with injuries.
Answer: Rapid Removal of Unstable Patient from VehicleScenario: You are responding to a motor vehicle crash with injuries. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess and perform a rapid removal of an unstable patient from a vehicle.Staff: 4 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient is shocky with peripheral cyanosis. Patient has bruises on thorax. Patient has bruising over wrist.Vital Signs: BP: 66/40, P: 110 & thready, R: 26Information:Patient responds only to painPatient has shortness of breathPatient has fractured wrist
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient who has been shot.
Answer: Gunshot Wound to ChestScenario: You are responding to a patient who has been shot. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess and treat a critically injured patient with chest injuries.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should be shocky with a gunshot wound to upper right chest.Vital Signs: BP: 60 by palpation, P: 120 and thread, R: 34Information:Patient has gunshot wound to chestThere are no breath sounds on affected sideThere is jugular venous distensionThe trachea is in midline There is no exit wound Patient is extremely dyspneic Patient is unresponsiveBlood pressure is obtainable only by palpationBlood pressure should become unobtainable if patient is not treated rapidly and aggressively
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a stab wound.
Answer: Patient with Stab Wound to AbdomenScenario: You are responding to a stab wound. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess and care for a patient with an open abdominal wound.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear shocky with a 3 inch laceration over liver area.Vital Signs: BP: 90/50, P: 100 and irregularly irregular, R: 24Information: Patient has knees drawn upPatient is initially resistant to care and tries to sit up but feels dizzy and lies downPatient is on Inderal for hypertensionPatient takes one aspirin a day for an irregular heart beat
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a trauma patient with bleeding.
Answer: Impaled ObjectScenario: You are responding to a trauma patient with bleeding.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to stabilize a patient with an impaled object and prepare the patient for transport.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear shock. Object should be impaled in chest. The object should be something relevant to, or possible in, local community.Vital Signs: BP: 110/70, P: 90, R: 24Information:Lung sounds are diminished on effected sidePatient is not significantly dyspneicPatient should be found in sitting positionProctor should prompt patient with appropriate information about history of event.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a burned adult.
Answer: Burns of Upper ExtremityScenario: You are responding to a burned adult. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess and treat a patient with 2nd and 3rd degree bums of upper extremities• Students should be able to estimate burn surface area.• Students should take particular care with patient’s hands.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient exhibits bums to upper extremities, including fingers.Vital Signs: BP: 120/84, P: 80, R: 16Information:Patient slipped and fell into a campfireAlcohol is involved although the patient is alertPatient is in severe pain
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a local high school gymnasium for a possible neck injury.
Answer: C-Spine Immobilization, Neurological DeficitScenario: You are responding to a local high school gymnasium for a possible neck injury.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to stabilize the patient’s cervical spine, perform a log roll, immobilize the patient, and document the run adequately.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Vital Signs: BP: 110/60 P: 56, R: 16Information:Use an athletic event relevant to the community and time of yearPatient has pain in neck, cannot feel or move below shouldersThere is some movement of handsPatient should be lying on side
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a motorcycle/ATV crash.
Answer: Motorcycle/ATV Crash with HelmetScenario: You are responding to a motorcycle/ATV crash. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess and treat a patient who is wearing a helmet and has been involved in a high speed MVA.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Vital Signs: BP: 160/80, P: 70, R: 12 and noisyInformation:Patient was traveling at a high rate of speedPatient is unconsciousPatient is supinePatient has a compromised airway, snoring
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient with respiratory difficulty.
Answer: Do Not ResuscitateScenario: You are responding to a patient with respiratory difficulty. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to practice skills which may be necessary in a do not resuscitate situation.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor, 1 bystander, and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear ashen gray.Vital Signs: BP: 90/50, P: 140, R: 33 and noisyInformation:The family member should meet the team and advise them that there is a valid do not resuscitate order for this patient.Patient has terminal cancer
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a SCUBA diving accident.
Answer: SCUBA Diving EmergencyScenario: You are responding to a SCUBA diving accident. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess and treat a patient with SCUBA diving accident.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Vital Signs: BP: 110/70 P: 80, R: 24Information:Patient was on second dive of dayLast dive ended 1 hour agoBoth dives were to 80 feet for king crabPatient made a rapid ascent after 30 minutes at depthPatient complained of numbness and tingling in arms and legsPatient lost consciousness about 10 minutes before EMT’s arrival
Q: Scenario: You are responding to an explosion. 5 patients have been removed.
Answer: Multiple Casualty IncidentScenario: You are responding to an explosion. 5 patients have been removed. The scene issafe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to begin treatment in a multiple casualty incident and implement the initial stages of an incident command.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 5 patients.Appearance: Consistent with injuries:1. Cardiac Arrest2. Unconscious patient with compromised airway; BP: 90/50 P: 90 R: 03. Severe but controllable upper extremity bleeding; BP: 100/60 P: 100 R: 244. Fractures of femur and forearm; BP: 120/90 P: 90 R: 205. Head injury with increased intracranial pressure; BP: 190/100 P: 50 R: 12