Free Paramedic Exam Questions That Helps Candidates Pass

Traction splints reduce bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain in isolated mid-shaft femur fractures with intact pulses. Contraindications: pelvic fracture, proximal femur fracture, partial amputation. Pelvic binders are for pelvic instability, not isolated femur injuries. Tourniquets are for uncontrolled external hemorrhage. A vacuum mattress immobilizes but doesn’t provide traction.

Pulmonary edema causes fluid in alveoli, producing frothy pink sputum, dyspnea, and crackles. Asthma = wheezing, epiglottitis = stridor/drooling, COPD = chronic obstruction. EMS must provide CPAP, nitrates if BP allows, O₂ titration, and rapid transport.

Anterior STEMI demands swift reperfusion. Evidence supports early antiplatelet therapy (aspirin 160–325 mg chewed, absent contraindications) and minimizing first-medical-contact-to-device time via prehospital 12-lead acquisition/transmission and cath lab activation. Nitrates can relieve pain and reduce afterload but must be used cautiously to avoid hypotension; avoid if suspected RV infarct or preload dependence. Routine oxygen for normoxemic patients is not recommended; titrate if SpO₂ <90–92% or respiratory distress. Morphine is de-emphasized due to potential adverse hemodynamics and interaction with antiplatelet absorption. Beta-blockers and lidocaine are not routine prehospital therapies. Continuous monitoring for dysrhythmias and serial 12-leads are essential.

In pediatric VF/pulseless VT, the priority is defibrillation (2 J/kg initial, 4 J/kg subsequent). Epinephrine follows q3–5 min. Amiodarone is after refractory VF. CPR should be ongoing but shock should not be delayed.

Persistent hypotension after fluids in sepsis = septic shock, requiring vasopressors. Norepinephrine is first-line; epinephrine is alternative. Diuretics worsen hypoperfusion. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation. Delaying therapy worsens mortality. Paramedics should support airway/oxygen, give fluids, start pressors if protocols allow, and expedite transport.