Dispatch Training Tools

#1

Which of the following is the best definition for “repetitive persistence”?

Answer: A calming technique in which the calltaker repeats a phrase verbatim using a firm but caring tone. The phrase should contain both an action and a reason for the action.

#2

Key Question 4 on Protocol 1 is “Is there any pain above the belly button (navel)?” According to MPDS standards, it is acceptable to read this question as “Is there any pain above the belly button or navel?”

Answer: False

#3

MPDS words or phrases that have a specific dispatch definition are marked using:

Answer: All uppercase text (all capital letters).

#4

A second-party caller is reporting an assault on a 28-year-old male patient. Key Questioning finds: - happened 30 minutes ago - assailant no longer nearby • no weapons involved • no SERIOUS bleeding - responding normally - injuries to head and chest • no difficulty breathing (breathing normally) What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 4-B-1A

#5

A second-party caller reports that he accidentally shot his father in the foot while they were hunting together. During Case Entry, the caller reports that the patient is awake and breathing. Key Questioning finds: - happened 10 minutes ago • no SERIOUS bleeding - responding normally - one wound to the foot What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 27-B-2G

#6

Most emergency callers are uncooperative or hysterical.

Answer: False

#7

The Gap Theory suggests that:

Answer: Silent “gaps” during a call can elevate caller anxiety.

#8

An effective quality improvement program includes case review, feedback, and:

Answer: Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE).

#9

A second-party caller reports that his 9-month-old daughter just fell 12 feet (3.5 meters) from a balcony. The caller reports that there is no bleeding and the patient is responding normally, but he is worried because she hit her head. The caller further reports that the patient has no difficulty breathing. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 17-D-6

#10

You are using the Stroke Diagnostic Tool. The caller reports: - normal smile - both arms raised and held equally - garbled or not understandable speech This should be considered:

Answer: CLEAR evidence of stroke.

#11

A second-party caller is reporting that her 13-year-old son burned his hand and arm when a recreational firework went off in his hand. Key Questioning finds: - happened 10 minutes ago • nothing still burning or smoldering - everyone is safe and out of danger - responding normally • no difficulty breathing - hand and arm burned (no other injuries reported) What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 7-A-1W

#12

What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use when the caller is reporting Addisonian crisis?

Answer: 26: Sick Person (Specific Diagnosis)

#13

The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch recommends that emergency dispatchers verify the address and callback number by repeating the information back to the caller.

Answer: False

#14

When using Protocol 27, which of the following body parts is considered CENTRAL?

Answer: Elbow

#15

A second-party caller reports that his 82-year-old sister says her heart is beating way too fast and she needs to go to the doctor. The patient is awake and breathing effectively. Immediately after completing Case Entry interrogation, you should go to:

Answer: Protocol 19: Heart Problems/A.I.C.D.

#16

A second-party caller is reporting that her 10-year-old daughter accidentally cut herself with a sharp knife and is bleeding all over. The patient is awake and breathing. In response to Key Question 1 on Protocol 21, the caller reports that the patient is bleeding from her cheek. What should you do next?

Answer: Ask Key Question 2 on Protocol 21.

#17

In response to Case Entry Question 3, the caller reports that her brother is trapped underwater in a swift moving river. What should you do next?

Answer: Shunt to Protocol 14.

#18

Public safety agencies that fail to take appropriate remedial action against employees who demonstrate poor performance may be found liable for the employee’s inappropriate actions based on the legal concept of:

Answer: Negligent retention.

#19

A second-party caller reports that his 56-year-old wife is complaining of abdominal pain. Key Questioning finds that the patient: - is responding normally - has never been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm - describes the pain as a dull ache - nearly fainted trying to get out of bed - has pain below the belly button (navel) What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 1-C-3

#20

If the EMD does not understand the caller’s language well enough to determine a Chief Complaint and no one on duty is able to assist, the EMD should:

Answer: send 32-B-4, immediately contact a language line service, if available, and reconfigure as appropriate.

#21

A second-party caller reports that a 13-year-old male is having an allergic reaction to a single bee sting. The patient is responding normally, has no difficulty breathing or swallowing, and has never had a severe allergic reaction before. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 2-A-1

#22

The Priority Symptoms are:

Answer: Abnormal breathing, chest pain/discomfort (any), decreased level of consciousness, and SERIOUS hemorrhage.

#23

Which of the following is the best definition for “cervical cerclage”?

Answer: A surgical procedure meant to prevent premature dilation of the cervix and, therefore, premature labor

#24

If the caller believes a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order) should be ignored or is uncertain if the DNR is valid or in place, an appropriate response and resuscitation attempt should be made.

Answer: True

#25

A second-party caller reports that a 17-year-old student accidentally cut her finger off in the woodshop about 5 minutes ago. There is some bleeding, but the bleeding is not SERIOUS. The patient is responding normally and breathing normally. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 30-A-2

#26

A second-party caller reports that his wife is in labor with her third child. She has delivered two babies before, but this time it is happening much faster, and he does not believe they can get to the hospital in time. Key Questioning finds: - 39 weeks pregnant • cannot see any part of the baby yet - contractions 2 minutes apart • no SERIOUS bleeding • no HIGH RISK complications What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 24-D-3

#27

PDI-b on Protocol 6 has a Pre-Instruction Qualifier (PIQ) of “(≥ 1 + E-1 or D-1, 2, 3).” This PIQ indicates that PDI-b should be given:

Answer: Whenever the patient is one year old or older and a 6-E-1, 6-D-1, 6-D-2, or 6-D-3 Determinant Code is appropriate for the case.

#28

According to the First Law of Chest or Back Pain, “hurts to breathe” should be considered the same as difficulty breathing until proven otherwise.

Answer: False

#29

An alert, 34-year-old, first-party caller reports that he is having chest pain. Key Questioning finds: - slight difficulty breathing • no difficulty speaking between breaths - clammy • no history of heart attack or angina • no drugs or medications in the past 12 hours What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 10-D-4

#30

There is no way in the prehospital environment to tell whether STROKE-like symptoms are from a TIA (TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACK) or an acute STROKE.

Answer: True

#31

When using the MPDS, all actual response assignments and emergency modes (lights-and-siren vs. no lights-and-siren) are predetermined by:

Answer: Local Medical Control and EMS Administration.

#32

An alert, 38-year-old, first-party caller reports that she fell six feet (two meters) from the top of a ladder about 2 hours ago. She is now experiencing severe back pain and cannot get out of bed because of the pain. What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use for this case?

Answer: 17: Falls

#33

A second-party caller reports that her 42-year-old husband is currently having a GENERALIZED seizure. During Case Entry, the caller reports that the patient is not awake and is not breathing, but is still seizing. What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use for this case?

Answer: 12: Convulsions/Seizures

#34

You are providing Childbirth–Delivery instructions on Protocol F. In response to the operant question on Panel 11, “Are the mother and baby all right?”, the caller reports that the baby has stopped breathing. What should you do next?

Answer: Link to Panel 14.

#35

The caller reports that his friend is vomiting up something that looks like coffee grounds. What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use for this case?

Answer: 21: Hemorrhage (Bleeding)/Lacerations

#36

A second-party caller reports that her 32-year-old husband just fell 15 feet (4.5 meters) from the roof. During Case Entry, the caller reports that the patient is awake and breathing. In response to Key Question 3 on Protocol 17, the caller reports that the patient was electrocuted before he fell. What should you do next?

Answer: Shunt to Protocol 15.

#37

A second-party caller reports that his 14-year-old son injured his hip playing football. The caller reports that the injury occurred last night (over 10 hours ago), but the boy just woke up and is complaining that he can barely walk because of the pain. There is no bleeding, and the patient is responding normally. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 30-A-3

#38

Which of the following is the best definition for “wake-effect collision”?

Answer: A traffic accident caused by the passage of an emergency vehicle that does not directly involve (hit) the emergency vehicle

#39

Which of the following lists contains the four elements necessary to prove negligence in a court of law?

Answer: Duty, breach of duty, damage, causation

#40

What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use when the complaint description is a breathing-related tracheostomy (trach or stoma) problem in a conscious patient?

Answer: 6: Breathing Problems

#41

A second-party caller reports that an unconscious man is slumped over the steering wheel of his car in the parking lot of her apartment complex. The caller does not know if the patient is breathing. A note attached to the driver’s side window says “Warning! Dangerous chemicals inside!” What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use for this case?

Answer: 8: Carbon Monoxide/Inhalation/HAZMAT/CBRN

#42

The head-tilt is the only recognized method of airway control in the PAI dispatch environment.

Answer: True

#43

On the Case Entry Protocol, use of the Breathing Verification Diagnostic is not necessary when UNCERTAIN BREATHING or INEFFECTIVE BREATHING is associated with unconsciousness.

Answer: True

#44

When a caller is having difficulty understanding you over the phone, speaking slower is generally more helpful than speaking louder.

Answer: True

#45

An unconscious, non-breathing hypothermia patient should be considered an OBVIOUS DEATH until proven otherwise.

Answer: False

#46

You are providing bleeding control instructions from Case Exit Panel X-5. You instruct the caller, “Without lifting the cloth/towel up, please tell me if the bleeding is under control now.” The caller indicates that the bleeding is not yet controlled. Where should you link next?

Answer: X-5b

#47

A second-party caller reports that a 42-year-old female is having a severe asthma attack. The patient is currently unconscious and not breathing at all. Which pathway is appropriate from Protocol C, Panel 4?

Answer: Ventilations (V) 1st

#48

In response to Case Entry Question 3, a second-party caller reports that she just found her 17-year-old son hanging by the neck. There is no indication that this is an OBVIOUS DEATH situation and the patient is still hanging now. What should you do next?

Answer: Initiate a 9-E-3 response and provide Case Entry PDIs a and b.

#49

A third-party caller reports that a bus full of passengers just crashed into a large tree. The caller has no other information about the incident. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 29-D-1b

#50

During Case Entry, a second-party caller reports that his 11-year-old granddaughter is having a GENERALIZED seizure. Key Questioning finds: • not more than one seizure in a row • not diabetic - epileptic (diagnosed seizure disorder) • no history of STROKE or brain tumor - jerking (twitching) stopped - effective breathing verified using the Breathing Verification Diagnostic What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 12-A-1E

#51

Key Question 1 on Protocol 16 is “Is s/he completely alert (responding appropriately)?” According to MPDS standards, it is acceptable to read this question as “Is she completely alert and responding appropriately?”

Answer: False

#52

A second-party caller reports that a 45-year-old female has been bitten by a snake. Key Questioning finds: - snake is now dead - patient is alert - no difficulty breathing or swallowing What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 2-D-4

#53

Which of the following is the best definition for “repetitive persistence”?

Answer: A calming technique in which the calltaker repeats a phrase verbatim using a firm but caring tone. The phrase should contain both an action and a reason for the action.

#54

A third-party caller reports that a bus full of passengers just crashed into a large tree. The caller has no other information about the incident. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 29-D-1b

#55

A second-party caller reports that his nine-month-old daughter just fell 12 feet (3.5 meters) from a balcony. The caller reports that there is no bleeding and that the patient is completely alert, but he is worried because she hit her head. The patient has been moved inside. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 17-D-6

#56

There is no way over the phone to tell whether STROKE-like symptoms are from a TIA (TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK) or an acute STROKE.

Answer: True

#57

The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch recommends that emergency dispatchers verify the address and callback number by repeating the information back to the caller.

Answer: False

#58

During Case Entry, a second-party caller reports that his 12-year-old stepson is having a generalized (non-FOCAL/non-ABSENCE) seizure. Key Questioning finds: - not more than one seizure in a row - not diabetic - epileptic (diagnosed seizure disorder) - no history of STROKE or brain tumor - jerking (twitching) stopped - effective breathing verified using AGONAL BREATHING Detector What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 12-A-1E

#59

You are using the Stroke Diagnostic Tool. The caller reports: - slight difference in smile - one arm higher than other (both raised, but unequally) - said “The early bird catches the worm” correctly This should be considered:

Answer: STRONG evidence of stroke.

#60

The head-tilt is the only recognized method of airway control in the PAI dispatch environment.

Answer: True

#61

A second-party caller reports that an unconscious man is slumped over the steering wheel of his car in the parking lot of her apartment complex. The caller does not know if the patient is breathing. A note attached to the driver’s side window says “Warning! Dangerous chemicals inside!” What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use for this case?

Answer: 8: Carbon Monoxide/Inhalation/HAZMAT/CBRN.

#62

A second-party caller is reporting that her 11-year-old son burned his hand and arm when a recreational firework went off in his hand. Key Questioning finds: - nothing still burning or smoldering - completely alert - no difficulty breathing - hand and arm burned (no other injuries reported) - happened 10 minutes ago What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 7-A-1W

#63

A high school teacher reports that a 16-year-old student accidentally cut her finger off in the woodshop. There is some bleeding, but the bleeding is not SERIOUS. The patient is alert, and the accident happened about 5 minutes ago. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 30-A-2

#64

Use of the AGONAL BREATHING Detector is not necessary when UNCERTAIN BREATHING or INEFFECTIVE BREATHING is associated with unconsciousness.

Answer: True

#65

A second-party caller is reporting that her 10-year-old daughter accidentally cut herself with a sharp knife and is bleeding all over. The patient is awake and breathing. In response to Key Question 1 on Protocol 21, the caller reports that the patient is bleeding from her cheek. What should you do next?

Answer: Ask Key Question 2 on Protocol 21.

#66

A second-party caller reports that his 12-year-old son injured his hip playing football. There is no bleeding, and the patient is completely alert and breathing normally. The caller reports that the injury occurred last night (over 10 hours ago), but the boy just woke up and is complaining that he can barely walk because of the pain. What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 30-A-3

#67

Which of the following lists contains the four elements necessary to prove negligence in a court of law?

Answer: Duty, breach of duty, damage, causation.

#68

Most emergency callers are uncooperative or hysterical.

Answer: False

#69

Which of the following is the best definition for “cervical cerclage”?

Answer: A surgical procedure meant to prevent premature dilation of the cervix and, therefore, premature labor.

#70

A second-party caller reports that his 85-year-old sister says her heart is beating way too fast and she needs to go to the doctor. The patient is awake and breathing effectively. Immediately after completing Case Entry interrogation, you should go to:

Answer: Protocol 19: Heart Problems/A.I.C.D.

#71

Public safety agencies that fail to take appropriate remedial action against employees who demonstrate poor performance may be found liable for the employee’s inappropriate actions based on the legal concept of:

Answer: Negligent retention.

#72

A second-party caller reports that her 81-year-old mother just fell (ground level) and may have broken her hip. During Case Entry, the caller reports that the patient is awake and breathing. In response to Key Question 2 on Protocol 17, the caller reports that the patient was dizzy and may have fainted. What should you do next?

Answer: Shunt to Protocol 31.

#73

You are providing Childbirth–Delivery instructions from Protocol F. In response to the operant question on Panel 10, “Is the afterbirth (placenta) out yet?” the caller reports that the afterbirth is not out, but the mother is experiencing serious cramping. What should you do next?

Answer: Link to Panel 37.

#74

When using Protocol 22, which of the following body parts is considered PERIPHERAL?

Answer: Hand

#75

A second-party caller is reporting an assault on a 26-year-old male patient. Key Questioning finds: - no SERIOUS bleeding - completely alert - injuries to head and chest - no difficulty breathing (breathing normally) - happened 30 minutes ago What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 4-B-1A

#76

A second-party caller reports that her 42-year-old husband is currently having a seizure. During Case Entry, the caller reports that the patient is not awake and is not breathing, but is still seizing. What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use for this case?

Answer: 12: Convulsions/Seizures.

#77

A second-party caller reports that a 28-year-old female has just been struck by lightning. The patient is currently unconscious and not breathing at all. Which pathway should be selected on Protocol C, Panel 4?

Answer: Ventilations (V) 1st.

#78

When using the MPDS, actual response assignments and emergency modes (lights-and-siren vs. no lights-and-siren) are predetermined by:

Answer: Local Medical Control and EMS Administration.

#79

The Gap Theory suggests that:

Answer: Silent “gaps” during a call can elevate caller anxiety.

#80

A second-party caller reports that his 17-year-old friend was stabbed during a fight. During Case Entry, the caller reports that the patient is awake and breathing. Key Questioning finds: - SERIOUS bleeding - completely alert - stabbed in abdomen - one wound - just happened What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 27-D-4S

#81

In response to Case Entry Question 3, the caller reports that her 34-year-old husband accidentally set himself on fire while using gasoline to ignite a campfire. The man is still on fire. What should you do next?

Answer: Immediately initiate a 7-E-1 response and provide Case Entry PDIs a and f.

#82

An alert, 34-year-old, first-party caller reports that he is having chest pain. Key Questioning finds: - slight difficulty breathing - no difficulty speaking between breaths - clammy - no history of heart attack or angina - no drugs or medications in the past 12 hours What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 10-D-4

#83

In response to Case Entry Question 3, a 10-year-old caller reports that he believes his 16-year-old sister has drowned. She is currently at the bottom of the family swimming pool. What should you do next?

Answer: Send 14-E-2, provide Case Entry PDIs a and c, and then return to questioning.

#84

If the caller believes a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order) should be ignored or is uncertain if a DNR is valid or in place, an appropriate response and resuscitation attempt should be made.

Answer: True

#85

MPDS words or phrases that have a specific dispatch definition are marked using:

Answer: All uppercase text (all capital letters).

#86

The Priority Symptoms are:

Answer: Abnormal breathing, chest pain/discomfort (any), decreased level of consciousness, and SERIOUS hemorrhage.

#87

A second-party caller reports that his 52-year-old wife is complaining of abdominal pain. The patient: - is completely alert - is breathing effectively - has never been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm - describes the pain as a dull ache - nearly fainted trying to get out of bed - has pain below the belly button (navel) What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 1-C-3

#88

An unconscious, non-breathing hypothermia patient should always be considered an OBVIOUS DEATH until proven otherwise.

Answer: False

#89

If the EMD does not understand the caller’s language well enough to determine a Chief Complaint and no one on duty is able to assist, the EMD should:

Answer: Send 32-B-4, immediately contact a language line service, if available, and reconfigure as appropriate.

#90

An alert, 38-year-old, first-party caller reports that she fell six feet (two meters) from the top of a ladder about two hours ago. She is now experiencing severe back pain and cannot get out of her bed because of the pain. What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use for this case?

Answer: 17: Falls.

#91

What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use when the complaint description is a breathing-related tracheotomy (trach or stoma) problem in a conscious patient?

Answer: 6: Breathing Problems.

#92

According to the First Law of Chest or Back Pain, “hurts to breathe” should be considered the same as difficulty breathing until proven otherwise.

Answer: False

#93

An effective quality improvement program includes random case review, private individual feedback, open shift/agency feedback, and:

Answer: Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE).

#94

What is the most appropriate Chief Complaint Protocol to use when the caller is reporting autonomic dysreflexia/hyperreflexia?

Answer: 26: Sick Person (Specific Diagnosis).

#95

A second-party caller reports that his wife is in labor. He does not believe they can get to the hospital in time. Key Questioning finds: - 39 weeks pregnant - cannot see any part of the baby yet - third full pregnancy and delivery - contractions 2 minutes apart - no SERIOUS bleeding - no HIGH RISK complications What is the most appropriate Determinant Code?

Answer: 24-D-3

#96

When a caller is having difficulty understanding you over the phone, speaking slower is generally more helpful than speaking louder.

Answer: True

#97

PDI-b on Protocol 6 has a Pre-Instruction Qualifier (PIQ) of “(≥1 + E-1 or D-1, 2, 3).” This PIQ indicates that PDI-b should be given:

Answer: Whenever the patient is one year old or older and a 6-E-1, 6-D-1, 6-D-2, or 6-D-3 Determinant Code is appropriate for the case.

#98

Which of the following is the best definition for “wake-effect collision”?

Answer: A traffic accident caused by the passage of an emergency vehicle that does not directly involve (hit) the emergency vehicle.