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IAED EMD practice questions

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Question 1Case Entry and Call Processing

During Case Entry, which information should the EMD obtain first?

  1. The patient's age
  2. The caller's callback number
  3. The patient's chief complaint
  4. The location of the emergency Correct answer.

Explanation

Case Entry begins with the location so that responders can be sent even if the call is disconnected. The chief complaint, age, and callback number are gathered after the address is confirmed.

Question 2Case Entry and Call Processing

What is the main purpose of asking 'Tell me exactly what happened' during Case Entry?

  1. To obtain the patient's medical history
  2. To decide the caller's insurance status
  3. To identify the chief complaint Correct answer.
  4. To determine the patient's exact age

Explanation

The open-ended question lets the caller describe the problem in their own words, which identifies the chief complaint that guides protocol selection. Medical history and age are asked later or during Key Questions.

Question 3Case Entry and Call Processing

Which patient status is specifically assessed during Case Entry before Key Questions begin?

  1. Body temperature
  2. Level of consciousness Correct answer.
  3. Blood pressure reading
  4. Pupil size

Explanation

Case Entry includes a consciousness check so the EMD knows whether the patient is awake and responsive. Blood pressure, pupil size, and temperature are not obtained during Case Entry.

Question 4Case Entry and Call Processing

During Case Entry, why does the EMD ask whether the patient is breathing?

  1. To collect the caller's health insurance information
  2. To determine which age group the patient belongs to
  3. To identify the patient's exact chief complaint
  4. To decide if immediate breathing help is needed Correct answer.

Explanation

Breathing status determines whether the EMD must immediately provide airway or breathing instructions and dispatch a high-priority response. It is a core Case Entry question because it affects immediate actions.

Question 5Case Entry and Call Processing

Which task belongs to the Case Entry phase?

  1. Assigning the final determinant code
  2. Giving post-dispatch instructions
  3. Conducting a formal quality review of the call
  4. Verifying the address and callback number Correct answer.

Explanation

Case Entry establishes location, callback number, chief complaint, age, consciousness, and breathing. Determinant coding, post-dispatch instructions, and quality review occur in later phases.

Question 6Case Entry and Call Processing

What should the EMD do when a caller cannot provide a precise street address?

  1. Ask the caller to call back when the address is known
  2. Transfer the call to a billing office
  3. End the call and wait for a location
  4. Gather landmarks, cross streets, and a callback number Correct answer.

Explanation

The EMD must make every effort to locate the emergency using landmarks, cross streets, business names, and callback information. Ending the call or delaying dispatch could harm the patient.

Question 7Case Entry and Call Processing

Why is a callback number confirmed early in Case Entry?

  1. To allow the hospital to bill the patient
  2. To dispatch a response without an address
  3. To verify the caller's identity
  4. To re-contact the caller if the call drops Correct answer.

Explanation

A confirmed callback number allows the EMD to reconnect if the call is disconnected and to pass reliable contact information to responders. It is not used to verify identity or replace the address.

Question 8Case Entry and Call Processing

Which question is asked during Case Entry?

  1. What medications does the patient take?
  2. Does the patient have any allergies?
  3. Is the patient conscious? Correct answer.
  4. When did the symptoms first start?

Explanation

Consciousness is a standard Case Entry question. Allergies, medications, and symptom onset are addressed later through Key Questions or secondary information gathering.

Question 9Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller reports that a 4-year-old child is choking and not breathing. After the address and chief complaint are obtained, what should the EMD do?

  1. Transfer the call to a nurse advice line
  2. Dispatch and give immediate airway instructions Correct answer.
  3. Complete all Key Questions before giving any instruction
  4. Ask about the child's insurance coverage

Explanation

A choking patient who is not breathing is a time-critical emergency. The EMD should dispatch and begin protocol-driven airway instructions without delaying for nonessential questions.

Question 10Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller gives an address that sounds like '15 Oak Street' but is unsure. What is the best action?

  1. Confirm the spelling and a cross street Correct answer.
  2. Accept the address as given and dispatch
  3. Transfer the call to the fire department
  4. Ask only for a callback number and move on

Explanation

Address accuracy is critical; confirming spelling and cross streets prevents responders from going to the wrong location. Accepting an uncertain address risks delay.

Question 11Case Entry and Call Processing

During Case Entry, the caller says the patient is conscious but breathing sounds 'gurgly.' How should the EMD proceed?

  1. Assume the patient is fine because they are conscious
  2. Treat the airway as compromised and follow protocol Correct answer.
  3. Ask about the patient's medication history first
  4. Document normal breathing and continue with Key Questions

Explanation

Gurgling suggests possible airway compromise and must not be treated as normal breathing. The EMD should follow the appropriate breathing or airway protocol and dispatch accordingly.

Question 12Case Entry and Call Processing

A third-party caller reports an emergency at a neighbor's home but does not know the exact address. What should the EMD do first?

  1. Refuse to help until an exact address is provided
  2. Get location details and a callback number Correct answer.
  3. Hang up and call the neighbor directly
  4. Ask for the neighbor's phone number before anything else

Explanation

The EMD should use landmarks, descriptions, and the caller's location to identify the scene while maintaining contact. Refusing help or hanging up delays care.

Question 13Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller is extremely upset and cannot answer open-ended questions. Which approach is most effective?

  1. End the call and wait for a calmer caller
  2. Repeat the same open-ended question in a louder voice
  3. Transfer the caller to a supervisor immediately
  4. Use short yes-or-no questions Correct answer.

Explanation

Calming techniques and simple closed-ended questions help an upset caller provide needed information. Transferring or hanging up delays dispatch.

Question 14Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller says the patient is 'not breathing,' but the caller sounds unsure. What should the EMD do?

  1. Ask only for the patient's age
  2. Assume the patient is breathing normally
  3. Clarify and follow the breathing protocol Correct answer.
  4. Wait for EMS to arrive before asking more

Explanation

The EMD must clarify breathing status with focused questions and follow the protocol for a patient who may not be breathing. Assuming normal breathing is unsafe.

Question 15Case Entry and Call Processing

Why does Case Entry collect the patient's age before Key Questions are asked?

  1. To determine who can legally consent to treatment
  2. To decide how to bill the call
  3. To confirm the patient's identity
  4. To select the right protocol and determinant Correct answer.

Explanation

Age helps the EMD choose age-appropriate protocols and affects determinant coding and instruction wording. It is not used for consent, billing, or identity verification at this stage.

Question 16Case Entry and Call Processing

A call is disconnected immediately after the address is obtained. What should the EMD do?

  1. Take no action because the call ended
  2. Call the police only and wait
  3. Try the callback and dispatch per protocol Correct answer.
  4. Wait for the caller to call back before dispatching

Explanation

A disconnection does not cancel the emergency; the EMD should try the callback number and initiate dispatch per protocol. Waiting or taking no action risks delay.

Question 17Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller speaks limited English and cannot answer Case Entry questions. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Transfer the call to law enforcement
  2. Ask a bystander to translate medical questions
  3. Use a language line or qualified interpreter Correct answer.
  4. Proceed using gestures and guessing

Explanation

The EMD should use a language line or qualified interpreter to obtain accurate information. Untrained bystanders or guessing can cause dangerous errors.

Question 18Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller reports a conscious, breathing patient with severe bleeding. After Case Entry, what should the EMD do next?

  1. Transfer the call to a medical advice line
  2. Ask about the patient's medical history first
  3. Dispatch and give bleeding-control instructions Correct answer.
  4. Complete every single Key Question before dispatching

Explanation

Severe bleeding requires immediate dispatch and pre-arrival bleeding-control instructions. Nonessential history questions should not delay care.

Question 19Case Entry and Call Processing

While gathering information, the EMD learns that a violent fight is still occurring at the scene. What should the EMD do?

  1. Dispatch medical units without notifying law enforcement
  2. Tell the caller to confront the fighters
  3. Continue asking medical questions only
  4. Advise the caller to move to safety and call police Correct answer.

Explanation

Caller and responder safety come first; the EMD should advise the caller to retreat to safety and ensure law enforcement is notified. Sending medical units into an unsafe scene without police support is dangerous.

Question 20Case Entry and Call Processing

What distinguishes Case Entry from Key Questions?

  1. Case Entry is used only for billing purposes, while Key Questions are clinical
  2. Case Entry is optional; Key Questions are mandatory
  3. Case Entry gets location and status; Key Questions refine the complaint Correct answer.
  4. They are identical and can be used interchangeably

Explanation

Case Entry establishes location, callback, chief complaint, age, consciousness, and breathing. Key Questions then gather complaint-specific details needed for determinant selection.

Question 21Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller reports a seizure, but the patient is now conscious and breathing. What should the EMD do?

  1. Transfer the call to a poison control center
  2. Skip Key Questions because the seizure is over
  3. Begin CPR instructions immediately
  4. Proceed with Key Questions and code the determinant Correct answer.

Explanation

A resolved seizure still requires complaint-specific Key Questions to determine the current condition and response level. CPR is not indicated for a conscious, breathing patient.

Question 22Case Entry and Call Processing

During questioning, the caller says the patient has become unresponsive. What should the EMD do?

  1. Ask the caller to wait until EMS arrives
  2. End the call and wait for the family to call back
  3. Continue the original line of questioning without change
  4. Reassess consciousness and breathing and follow protocol Correct answer.

Explanation

A change in patient condition requires immediate reassessment of consciousness and breathing and a switch to the appropriate protocol. Continuing the original questions could delay life-saving instructions.

Question 23Case Entry and Call Processing

Why is the chief complaint obtained before the patient's age and consciousness during Case Entry?

  1. It selects the protocol pathway and Key Questions Correct answer.
  2. It replaces the need to check breathing
  3. It sets the billing category for the call
  4. It establishes legal consent for treatment

Explanation

The chief complaint frames the medical problem and selects the protocol pathway that guides subsequent Key Questions and determinants. Age and consciousness are still required and do not replace breathing assessment.

Question 24Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller says 'It's a cardiac arrest,' but the patient is awake and talking. How should the EMD handle this?

  1. Ask only about the patient's heart history
  2. Verify consciousness and breathing, then follow protocol Correct answer.
  3. Accept the caller's label and code it as a cardiac arrest
  4. Transfer the call to a cardiologist

Explanation

Callers may use inaccurate medical terms; the EMD must verify consciousness and breathing through Case Entry questions and follow protocol based on findings. Accepting the label without verification can misclassify the call.

Question 25Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller refuses to give a callback number. What should the EMD do?

  1. Insist on the number before asking anything else
  2. Notify law enforcement about the refusal
  3. Explain why it is needed and continue the case Correct answer.
  4. Terminate the call immediately

Explanation

The EMD should explain the purpose of the callback number and continue gathering essential location and complaint information if the caller refuses. Terminating the call would abandon the patient.

Question 26Case Entry and Call Processing

During Case Entry, what is the first item the EMD should obtain from the caller?

  1. The address of the emergency Correct answer.
  2. The name of the patient's regular physician
  3. The caller's full name and date of birth
  4. The patient's medical history and medications

Explanation

Case Entry begins with the location of the emergency so that responders can be sent even if the connection is lost. Identifying details and medical history are not part of the Case Entry sequence and are not needed to start help.

Question 27Case Entry and Call Processing

How should the EMD verify a callback number given by the caller?

  1. Read the number back to the caller Correct answer.
  2. Ask the caller to call back from that number later
  3. Ask the caller to spell their last name
  4. Skip verification if the caller sounds certain

Explanation

The callback number is repeated back so that a digit error is caught while the caller is still on the line. A wrong number may be the only way to re-contact the caller if the call drops.

Question 28Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller gives the location only as "412 Maple" and does not name the city. What should the EMD do?

  1. Assume the city based on the caller's area code
  2. Ask which hospital is closest to the address
  3. Send the call and let responders sort out the location
  4. Ask the caller for the city and state Correct answer.

Explanation

An address must be complete enough for responders to find the scene, which includes the city or municipality. An area code does not reliably indicate where the caller or patient is located.

Question 29Case Entry and Call Processing

The caller describes the patient only as "elderly" and does not know the exact age. What should the EMD do?

  1. Record the age as unknown and move ahead
  2. Leave the age field blank for responders to complete
  3. Ask for the best estimate of the patient's age Correct answer.
  4. Assume the patient is over 65 years old

Explanation

Age is a Case Entry element that helps select the correct protocol and priority, so an estimate is collected when the exact age is unknown. Leaving it blank removes information the EMD needs to process the call.

Question 30Case Entry and Call Processing

How does the EMD determine whether an infant is conscious?

  1. Ask the infant directly whether it is conscious
  2. Ask whether the baby is awake and responding Correct answer.
  3. Assume the infant is conscious as long as it is crying
  4. Defer the assessment until responders arrive

Explanation

Consciousness questions are always directed to the caller about the patient, including when the patient is an infant. Phrasing the question in plain terms lets the caller report whether the baby responds to stimulation.

Question 31Case Entry and Call Processing

Why does Case Entry include a question about whether the patient is conscious?

  1. To gauge the patient's level of responsiveness Correct answer.
  2. To identify the patient's insurance coverage
  3. To confirm the patient's full name and date of birth
  4. To decide whether police officers are also needed

Explanation

Consciousness, together with breathing, is a core status item that shapes dispatch priority and the instructions given to the caller. It is asked for clinical and operational reasons, not for identification or billing.

Question 32Case Entry and Call Processing

The caller reports that the patient is conscious and breathing. What should the EMD do next?

  1. Transfer the caller to a police dispatcher
  2. End the call and clear the line
  3. Repeat the Case Entry questions
  4. Proceed to the Key Questions for the chief complaint Correct answer.

Explanation

Once the Case Entry elements are obtained and the patient is conscious and breathing, call processing continues into the Key Questions of the appropriate protocol. The call is not closed at that point.

Question 33Case Entry and Call Processing

Which is the best example of a close-ended question used during Case Entry?

  1. "Why do you think this happened?"
  2. "How are you feeling about all of this?"
  3. "Is he breathing?" Correct answer.
  4. "Tell me everything that has happened today."

Explanation

Case Entry relies on short, direct questions that can be answered quickly with a yes, no, or brief fact. This keeps the call moving and produces information the EMD can act on immediately.

Question 34Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller says only "Something's wrong with my mother" and offers nothing further. What should the EMD do?

  1. Wait silently for the caller to keep talking
  2. Tell the caller to call back when more is known
  3. Ask what is happening right now Correct answer.
  4. Assign a low priority because no complaint was stated

Explanation

A chief complaint must be specific enough to select the correct protocol, so the EMD asks direct follow-up questions about what is happening now. Silence or dismissal leaves the call without a usable complaint.

Question 35Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller is away from home and reports that a relative has been found unresponsive. What should the EMD do?

  1. Use the caller's current location as the emergency address
  2. Ask the caller to hang up and call from the patient's house
  3. Ask the caller to drive home before answering questions
  4. Obtain the address where the patient actually is Correct answer.

Explanation

Responders must be sent to the patient's location, which is not necessarily where the caller is standing. The EMD therefore collects the patient's address and confirms it is where help should go.

Question 36Case Entry and Call Processing

A young child calls and says, "Mommy won't wake up." What should the EMD do?

  1. Use simple questions and stay on the line Correct answer.
  2. Ask the child to find a neighbor and then hang up
  3. End the call and try calling the number back
  4. Wait quietly until the child calms down

Explanation

Children can often answer short, concrete questions and can help by staying on the line. The EMD keeps the child engaged, uses simple language, and gathers what information the child can provide.

Question 37Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller is driving with a patient in the vehicle. What should the EMD do?

  1. Use the patient's home address as the location
  2. Tell the caller to keep driving while describing symptoms
  3. Ask the caller to hang up and call again when stopped
  4. Ask the caller to stop and give the current location Correct answer.

Explanation

A moving vehicle has no fixed address, so the EMD asks the caller to stop safely and establishes where the vehicle is. Responders cannot be routed to a location that keeps changing.

Question 38Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller reaches the center using a text telephone (TTY). What should the EMD do?

  1. Transfer the caller to the non-emergency line
  2. Ask a neighbor to place a voice call instead
  3. Hang up and wait for a voice call
  4. Follow the TTY procedure and keep the session open Correct answer.

Explanation

Callers using TTY devices are handled through the center's established text communication procedure so the call can be processed normally. The session stays open until the exchange is complete.

Question 39Case Entry and Call Processing

The caller says the patient is "not breathing" but makes occasional gasping sounds. How should the EMD treat this?

  1. As normal breathing, since some sound is present
  2. As unclear, so wait several minutes to see if it changes
  3. As a sign the patient is recovering and needs no action
  4. As not breathing and proceed accordingly Correct answer.

Explanation

Occasional gasping is agonal breathing and is treated as not breathing because it does not move air effectively. The EMD acts on the effective absence of breathing rather than on the sound alone.

Question 40Case Entry and Call Processing

The caller reports that the patient fainted but is now awake and talking. How should the EMD proceed?

  1. Advise the caller to call back if it happens again
  2. Complete Case Entry and continue to Key Questions Correct answer.
  3. Treat the call as resolved and close it
  4. Tell the caller to drive the patient to the hospital

Explanation

A patient who has regained consciousness is still a patient, so Case Entry is completed and processing continues into the appropriate protocol. A resolved-sounding report does not close the call.

Question 41Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller gives the address of a large apartment complex but no unit number. What should the EMD do?

  1. Send the call and let responders search the complex
  2. Get the building, unit, and floor Correct answer.
  3. Ask only for the nearest cross street
  4. Ask the caller to wait outside without giving more detail

Explanation

Within a multi-unit building, the street address alone does not tell responders where the patient is. Building, unit, and floor details are needed so the crew can go directly to the patient.

Question 42Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller says, "I think he's dead." What should the EMD do?

  1. Ask the caller to check for a pulse and then hang up
  2. Transfer the call to the medical examiner
  3. Accept the statement and stop questioning
  4. Ask the consciousness and breathing questions Correct answer.

Explanation

A layperson's impression of death is not a substitute for the Case Entry status questions. The EMD asks about consciousness and breathing so the call can be processed and appropriate instructions given.

Question 43Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller on a cell phone does not know the address where the patient is. What should the EMD do?

  1. Ask for landmarks, cross streets, or business names Correct answer.
  2. End the call and wait for a call back
  3. Tell the caller to find a street sign and call again
  4. Use the billing address on file

Explanation

When an address is unknown, descriptive location information such as landmarks, cross streets, and business names can help locate the scene. This information is collected while any available location data is being reviewed.

Question 44Case Entry and Call Processing

What is the recommended time target for completing Case Entry?

  1. Under 60 seconds Correct answer.
  2. Under 10 minutes
  3. As long as the caller needs
  4. Under 5 minutes

Explanation

Case Entry is designed to be brief so that help can be dispatched and further instructions given without delay. The standard target is completion in under one minute.

Question 45Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller refuses to answer Case Entry questions and demands that an ambulance be sent immediately. What should the EMD do?

  1. Refuse to send an ambulance until every question is answered
  2. Explain briefly why the questions matter and continue Correct answer.
  3. Transfer the caller to a supervisor before proceeding
  4. Hang up and process the call as a hang-up

Explanation

A brief, calm explanation of why the questions are asked usually restores cooperation, and questioning then resumes. Withholding help or ending the call is never used as leverage.

Question 46Case Entry and Call Processing

Which question is phrased appropriately for gathering Case Entry information?

  1. "Why isn't he breathing?"
  2. "Is he breathing?" Correct answer.
  3. "He's breathing, isn't he?"
  4. "He is breathing normally, correct?"

Explanation

Case Entry questions should be neutral and close-ended so the caller reports what is actually happening. Leading or explanatory phrasing invites the answer the caller thinks the dispatcher wants to hear.

Question 47Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller says the patient is conscious but "not breathing." Which status should drive the EMD's next action?

  1. The breathing problem, with clarification of the answers Correct answer.
  2. Consciousness, because the patient is awake and talking
  3. Neither status, until responders assess the patient
  4. The patient's age, since it determines the protocol

Explanation

Answers that conflict require clarification, but an absent or ineffective breathing status is the more urgent finding and is acted on first. Consciousness alone does not rule out a breathing emergency.

Question 48Case Entry and Call Processing

The caller is the patient, is alone, and has called for help. What should the EMD do?

  1. Ask the patient to unlock the door Correct answer.
  2. End the call so the patient can rest until help arrives
  3. Ask the patient to call back when a family member arrives
  4. Ask the patient to drive to the nearest hospital

Explanation

A patient who is alone may be unable to answer the door when responders arrive, so the EMD asks the patient to unlock it if it is safe to do so. The patient is also kept on the line for further questions and instructions.

Question 49Case Entry and Call Processing

The caller answers "I don't know" when asked whether the patient is breathing. What should the EMD do?

  1. Assume the patient is breathing normally and continue with the next question
  2. Ask the caller to check and report back Correct answer.
  3. Move on to the next Case Entry question
  4. Assume the patient is not breathing and give instructions

Explanation

Breathing status is too important to leave unresolved, so the EMD directs the caller to look, listen, or feel and then report what is observed. Assumptions in either direction can lead to the wrong protocol and wrong instructions.

Question 50Case Entry and Call Processing

A caller reports an emergency that is located across the line into a neighboring jurisdiction. What should the EMD do?

  1. Tell the caller to look up and dial the other city's number
  2. Send the nearest unit regardless of which agency has jurisdiction
  3. Refuse the call because it is out of area
  4. Follow the local procedure for transferring or notifying the agency with jurisdiction Correct answer.

Explanation

Calls that belong to another agency are handled through the center's established transfer or notification procedure so the responsible agency responds. The caller is not simply turned away or left to make a new call.