2023 – 2024 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) No-Fluff Study Guide

By Charles Smith and Olin Wilburn

About the Book

"Are you prepared to obtain your emergency medical technician certification?" Do you desire to become one of the first responders who save lives daily? The "2023 – 2024 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) No-Fluff Study Guide" is what you need next.

The best way to prepare for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam is to read this detailed book. This book will give you the knowledge and abilities you need to pass the NREMT test, regardless of your level of experience as an EMT or your inexperience.

This book covers every facet of emergency medical treatment, from patient evaluation to trauma management to cardiac problems, and is jam-packed with over 500 practice questions, real-world scenarios, and thorough explanations of the answers. Because of the book's clear and concise writing style, you'll find it simple to comprehend and remember the knowledge you need to pass the NREMT exam.

However, this book is more than just a reference. You can use it as a helpful tool during your career as an EMT. It will help you become a better, more confident EMT because it puts a lot of emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and care that is focused on the patient.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olin Wilburn
• Release date: Feb 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215989272

Book preview

2023 – 2024

Emergency Medical Technician

(EMT)

No-Fluff Study Guide

A Simplified EMT Guide with Test Questions and Well-Explained Answers to Ace Your NREMT Exam at a Sitting

Olin Wilburn

Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Olin Wilburn

We reserve all of our rights. No portion of this publication may be recreated, distributed, or conveyed in any form or medium, which includes photocopying, documenting, or other mechanical or electronic procedures, without the written consent of the owner, except for brief quotation marks imbedded in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses that are permitted by copyright law.

Published by Gilob Publishers (A Subsidiary of Gilob. Tech. Solutions LLC)

30 N Gould ST STE R Sheridan WY 82801

To get consent to republish this book, or copy a section of the book, send a mail to: [e-mail]

Printed on acid-free paper.

Printed in the United Stated of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Attributes of a Successful EMT

Chapter 1

Pros and Cons of Becoming an EMT

Pros of Becoming an EMT

Cons of Becoming an EMT

Chapter 2

Who is an EMT?

Responsibilities

Chapter 3

Trauma

The Relationship between Trauma and Energy

Mechanism of Injury Profiles (MOIs)

Categories of Trauma

Blunt trauma

Assessment of Trauma Victims

Penetrating Trauma

Distance and Severity of the Injury

Soft Tissue Injury

Closed Injuries

Contusion

Hematoma

Crush injury

Closed tissue Injury Consideration

Open Injuries

Abrasions

Laceration

Punctures

Avulsions

Bites

Amputations

Open Wound Management

Chapter 4

Shock

Stages of Shock

Types of shock

Shock Management

Chapter 5

Medical Emergencies

Respiratory Emergencies

What is Respiratory Distress?

Treating Respiratory Distress

Psychiatric Emergencies

Behavioral Disorder

Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders

Toxicology and Poisonings

What Exactly Is Poisoning?

Treatment for Poisoning

Immunological Emergencies

Treatment for Allergic Reactions

Treatment for Neurological problems

Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Treatment for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Obstetrics Emergencies

Treatment of Emergencies During Pregnancy

Treatment of Emergencies During Labour

Gynaecologic Emergencies

Environmental Emergency

Chapter 6

Cardiology

Cardiac Anatomy

Heart Function

Angina Pectoris

Acute Myocardial Infarction(AMI)

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Traumatic Chest Pain

Emergency Medical Care

Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

Cardiac rhythms

Inappropriate Shocks

Shockable Rhythms

AED for Cardiac Patients

Care and Maintenance of Defibrillators

Significant changes in the American Heart Association Guidelines

Chapter 7

EMS Operations

Issues of Concern

Confidentiality

Clinical Significance

Chapter 7

Lifting and Moving Patients

Body Mechanics

Weight and Distribution

General Considerations

Commands and Directions

Emergency Movement

Urgent Transfer

Chapter 8

EMS Equipment and their Functions

Stair Chair

Scoop stretcher

Long Backboard

Portable or Folding Stretcher

Bariatric Stretcher

Chapter 9

Ambulance Operations

Ordinances

Basics of Good Driving

Maintaining Control

En Route to the Receiving Facility

En Route To The Station

Test Questions and Answers

Airway, Respiration and Ventilation Test Questions

Cardiology and Resuscitation Test Questions

EMS Operations Test Questions

Obstetrics and Gynecology Test Questions

ANSWERS TO TEST QUESTIONS

About the author

Introduction

If you're hoping to start an exciting and engaging career that doesn't require several years of higher education, consider becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). EMTs are essential to both public safety and healthcare because they provide first aid and transportation for the sick and injured during emergencies.

The field is expanding as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that between 2019 and 2029, there will be 17,000 more jobs for EMTs and paramedics, with a 6% growth rate. This projected increase is based on age-related health crises as well as other occurrences, including car accidents, natural catastrophes, and violence. It is anticipated that this need will exist in both urban and rural locations.

The National Registry emergency medical technician exam is a cognitive exam that is an adaptive computer test. The number of questions you can expect in the exam usually ranges from 70 to 120, which counts toward the final score. The exam also has ten pilot questions that do not affect the final score. Also, the maximum time you'll be given on this test is two hours.

So, remember to take the time to read each question carefully, as the National Registry has constructed its examinations to allow plenty of time to finish. The most successful candidates spend about 30 to 60 seconds on an item, reading each question carefully and thinking it through. In addition, only 1% of candidates are unable to finish the exam. Thus, the risk of misreading a question is far greater than the risk of running out of time. In other words, remain calm and do not get frustrated.

In addition, most people will think the exam is difficult because of the adaptive nature of the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) exam. The computerized adaptive testing algorithm adjusts the examination to the candidate's maximum ability level, so a candidate might feel that all items are complex. So focus on one question at a time and do your best on that question before moving on.

The test is separated into five parts, with the sections scrambled throughout. They are:

Airway/respiration – 20%

Cardiology/resuscitation – 22%

Trauma – 17%

Medical/OB – 29%

EMS Operations – 13%

Each topic area, except for EMS operations, has approximately 85% adult and geriatric questions and 15% pediatric questions.

As stated above, Airway/respiration makes up 20% of the test, featuring questions on airway management, ventilation, respiratory distress, and respiratory failure. Then 22% of the test is set aside for cardiology, which includes chest pain, cardiac rhythm disturbances, some stroke-like symptoms, hypotension and hypertension, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

With 17% of the questions, trauma includes bleeding in shock, soft tissue, chest and abdominal trauma, head, neck, face, spine, and multi-system trauma. Medical has the highest percentage, with 29% of the questions, including obstetrics, gynecology, abdominal disorders, immunology, and hematology. It also features questions under infectious diseases, endocrine, toxicology, genes and renal. You should expect questions on psychiatric emergencies included in this category.

The primary function of emergency medical services (EMS) is to provide sick and injured people with urgent care and transportation. Within that system, numerous procedural rules support attempts to save lives, and each one plays a part in producing excellent outcomes. Lastly, EMS operations entail knowing how to maintain and operate the emergency vehicle, maintaining medical and legal standards; providing emotional support, administrative support, team leadership; and resolving emergency incidents.

Attributes of a Successful EMT

If you're considering going into the field of EMT, ask yourself if you're ready to embrace the traits listed below that are essential for anyone who wants to be a successful EMT. Let's take a look at them.

The ability to maintain composure under pressure. Not everyone will indeed be a good fit for a position when the term emergency is in its name. EMTs must be capable of remaining composed and level-headed under pressure to make quick judgments that could save lives. The EMT can miss something important or make an error if they become caught up in the drama of the moment.

Flexibility

Being an EMT may not be the smartest career choice if you value a sense of structure and order in all aspects of your day. Emergencies can occur at any time, usually when you are least prepared. Additionally, you can encounter difficult circumstances at work where the surroundings change or are beyond your control. An EMT must learn how to prioritize patient care despite how unpleasant this can be by being ready to cope with any situation and adjust swiftly.

Excellent interpersonal skills

EMTs interact with people who are ill or injured as well as their loved ones. As an EMT, caring for patients comes first, but you also need to learn how to communicate with people in a composed and professional manner. For instance, there might be cases where you have to answer questions from family members or observers or talk to an injured individual going through a frightening scenario.

It could be challenging to gather the information you need for treatment since people might be upset or shaken. You must communicate clearly to calm them down and get the required information. Additionally, you need to be able to ask questions that people can understand. You'll have to communicate verbally and in writing with dispatch, hospital ERs, coworkers, and other organizations. Also, you need to be able to listen well to concentrate on what the speaker is saying and reduce the chance that you will misunderstand their issue.

Employers want to know that you can interact effectively with people of diverse ages and educational backgrounds. Emergencies can be chaotic; therefore, one of your responsibilities as an EMT is to ensure that other people are safe and informed. Being approachable while maintaining emotional restraint can aid others in understanding what is happening and, ultimately, deescalate the situation.

Ability to be a team player

EMTs are expected to remain calm in an emergency while working closely with other first responders to assist people and resolve the situation. They typically respond to a crisis with at least one other EMT or member of an emergency response team, and they must all work together to save lives and minimize damage as quickly as possible. EMTs also have to interact with an emergency dispatcher throughout the incident and inform doctors or nurses about a patient once they get to the hospital.

Positive attitude

Let's get one thing clear; being an EMT is demanding and stressful, but keeping a positive outlook when making decisions that can save lives is essential. The best EMTs continually learn and don't get discouraged easily, but this doesn't mean they have to like everything they do or act like everything is perfect. This means that they have to put the needs of the patients ahead of their own, even if it's inconvenient or stressful. The greatest EMTs know how to handle their bad days so they don't compromise the standard of care they provide to patients.

Reasoning Skills

EMTs must apply deductive and inductive reasoning techniques to evaluate the patient's state and the overall situation. When faced with several injured patients, choosing which one needs your assistance the most or determining whether you and your team can safely access a patient are both parts of your work.

Employers would prefer workers who know when to request additional help or equipment, even if they know you would do everything you could for patients. It will help improve your ability to assess situations and swiftly assign priorities. You will have to make many decisions at work, mostly with little time for thought, so potential employers want some assurance that you will choose wisely.

Detail Oriented

EMTs and other people who offer medical care must pay close attention to details. To figure out how bad a patient's illness or injury is, you need to be able to pick up on tiny clues that point to a potentially serious problem and ask the right questions. To stabilize a patient, you may need to give them injections or medications. You must ensure the amount is correct and write it down so that doctors at the hospital know what you did.

It would be helpful if you kept track of when you needed to get more supplies or have the equipment serviced and then did what you needed to do. In some places, EMTs are in charge of keeping their ambulance supplies and tools in good shape.

The desire and willingness to learn

New treatments and therapies are constantly being developed due to the non-stop evolution of medicine. This is why EMTs need to be up to date on the most current knowledge necessary for their work. This can entail conducting independent research, acquiring continuing education credits, or participating in programs organized by your organization. Your employer will know that you want to stay current on developments and are open to learning new skills if you demonstrate your desire to learn.

Being Able to Handle Stress

Two kinds of stress come with becoming an EMT. First, there is the pressure of the present situation, which lasts from the minute you depart for a call until your patient is brought safely to a hospital. The second kind is cumulative stress, brought on by continuing to be around sick and injured people. In some major cities, you might get multiple calls each day. You will see ghastly car crashes, victims of violent crimes, seriously ill patients of all ages, and other potentially problematic scenes.

There may be times when your efforts to save a patient are ineffective. Whether you experience short-term or long-term stress, you must continue to do your job and try as much as possible to make the right decisions. Tell prospective employers that you have faced challenging situations and remained focused.

Other qualities include;

Empathy, trustworthiness, observing, confidence, cleanliness, time management, patient advocacy, careful delivery of care, and physical fitness.

Chapter 1

Pros and Cons of Becoming an EMT

Emergency personnel, such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), are frequently required to provide critical care to patients while transferring them from the scene of an emergency to the hospital. EMTs serve a crucial role in a variety of emergency circumstances, and their work may be both physically and emotionally demanding. Despite obstacles, EMTs are essential to the survival of patients requiring immediate medical care. 

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the most well-known emergency medical service providers and can acquire various certifications. The education and expertise of EMTs can serve as a foundation for other medical professions. After completing their initial training, some EMTs become advanced EMTs or paramedics.

Before pursuing this career, it is crucial to assess whether becoming an EMT is a secure, well-paying position that provides a balance between work and personal life. So, it's vital to consider the pros and cons of being an EMT before deciding if this is the right career path for you.

Pros of Becoming an EMT

Working in this industry has numerous advantages. Some of them include the following;

An EMT position can be a perfect fit if you want to work in the medical field but want to spend less time in school. In comparison to many other areas of medicine, training is considerably shorter. Most paramedics need an associate's degree, but an EMT training program can usually be finished in as little as one year (about 150 hours of classes). Even though more complicated EMT programs may call for up to 400 hours of training, this is still much less than the time needed to become a medical doctor.

You'll have a stable job with room to grow

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a substantially higher-than-average job growth rate for paramedics and EMTs of nearly 24 percent. This is excellent news since it indicates that you have job stability and the opportunity to pursue other career opportunities. You wouldn't have to feel stuck, either.

You might decide to be a paramedic or another type of health worker in addition to the more advanced EMT job. To prepare for PA programs, doctor's assistants are frequently expected to work for a few years in the field (maybe as an EMT).

Despite the tension, it is a thrilling career

The fact that EMTs never have a dull day on the job is one of the reasons why many find it enjoyable. In addition to being a challenging occupation, it is also incredibly exhilarating. There are opportunities for excitement in the EMT profession, such as providing life-saving care in the back of an ambulance or responding rapidly to emergencies. EMTs are present in various emergency scenes, such as automobile accidents, fires, shootings, and altercations, and every day presents new challenges and experiences.

Ability to Monitor Situations

An essential component of your duty as an EMT or paramedic is to monitor a patient's health, provide medication, recognize allergic reactions and adverse effects, and administer prehospital care. This involves the insertion of breathing assistance, using stomach suction devices, intravenous and oral drug administration, and the interpretation of electrocardiograms. You will also use high-tech tools and methods, like monitors, to improve the quality of care.

Opportunity to be part of a team

The emergency vehicles are adequately equipped with medical supplies. EMTs work in teams, with one member running the vehicle and the other providing patient care. EMTs can work with the same partner for their careers, and people who are very sick or hurt and need to go to a trauma center can be taken there by helicopter.

Cons of Becoming an EMT

Now that you've seen some of the benefits of becoming an EMT, it is also a good idea to be aware of the downsides. Some of them include the following;

It is a very stressful job

Being an EMT demands a great deal of physical activity. Most of the time, you'll need to lift people who could weigh as much as 240 pounds, sometimes across multiple flights of stairs. This is a complex task, as you'll need to do it swiftly and, at the same time, carefully. Be ready to spend extended periods standing, crouching, or in one place. Being an EMT requires a lot of physical effort, and you should be aware that it will be harder on your body as you age. It is also common for issues like physical exhaustion, back pain, and strains to arise.

It can be mentally challenging

EMT work is frequently quite demanding. You'll always be in situations where you need to make quick, right decisions that could mean life or death. You must be ready to see numerous horrible accidents, ranging from patients who have lost a limb, been shot, stabbed, or maimed, experienced brain trauma, or even held someone's hand as they passed away. Some of your patients might be harmful, not just to themselves but also to you.

This is no easy task, as you will live with that decision for the rest of your life. It's critical for EMTs to feel at ease in a wide range of stressful circumstances. Additionally, you'll be working under physically demanding circumstances with limited downtime. Your mental health may worsen over time, so you must have a robust support system and care for yourself.

Too much paperwork

Being an EMT involves a lot of paperwork, professionalism, and accurate record-keeping. An EMT may become exhausted putting these elements together because they take so much time.

Lack of quality sleep

Another serious issue is that EMTs risk being exhausted or experiencing burnout. You'll need to accept long shifts of 12 to 24 hours and soon find yourself needing better quality sleep because of the work. There will be nights when you come back home and wish you were doing something else. Because of the high demands of this job, many people steer clear of it, but if you think you can handle it, then go for it.

Lack of family time

Due to their busy schedules and level of work, some EMTs may return home only a few times a week. Sometimes, they cannot organize family gatherings, go on dates, or have a fun-filled time with friends. As a result, their personal lives might take a back seat, so having a loving and supportive family is crucial when deciding on a job in this area.

Some patients can be disrespectful

As an EMT, you may face patients that are disrespectful or difficult to manage, especially in emergency situations or while working with individuals with mental health issues. To be able to deal with the emotional demands of one's employment, it is crucial to have a strong support system and prioritize one's own mental health. However, it can be gratifying to realize that your labor has a positive impact on the lives of others. The emotional demands of the position may become more manageable over time.

Chapter 2

Who is an EMT?

Whether it is on a popular TV show like The Good Doctor, on the news, or even live; we have all seen a group of medical personnel rushing to the scene of an emergency and carrying a victim into an ambulance while providing basic care to keep them alive en route to the hospital. All these medical experts are part of an emergency response team.

The emergency medical services teams are made up of a variety of specialists qualified to offer patients both basic and advanced care while they are being transported to a medical facility. While paramedics are qualified to give advanced medical care in a crisis, emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, are trained to provide basic care as they are the most common type of emergency medical professional.

According to the National Registry, the EMT is the entry-level position in the United States ambulance system, with the AEMT and paramedic occupying higher positions. However, EMTs and paramedics dominate in many areas, whereas AEMTs are used sparingly. Consequently, paramedics provide the highest degree of treatment within the ambulance service.

In the simplest terms, the major difference between an EMT and a paramedic lies in the patient