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    EMS Written Exam Study GuideFebruar y 2008

    Utah Department of HealthDivision of Health Systems Improvement

    Bureau of Emergency Medical Services

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    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................. 3

    WHY IS THERE A WRITTEN EXAMINATION?.......................................................................................................... 3

    WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN EXAMINATION ................................................................... 4

    A. LEARNING TIME: WHEN SHOULD I STUDY? ............................................................................................................... 4B. WHERE TO STUDY:A PLACE TO REMEMBER ............................................................................................................... 5C. LEARNING AND REMEMBERING:A SKILL TO BE MASTERED ...................................................................................... 6D. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL PREPARATION ....................................................................................................................... 8

    COMPUTER BASED TESTING ........................................................................................................................................ 9

    A. ADVANTAGES................................................................................................................................................................... 9B. SCHEDULING .................................................................................................................................................................... 9

    C. THE USER INTERFACE ................................................................................................................................................... 10

    HOW TO ANSWER MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS ........................................................................................... 13

    WHAT TO STUDY FOR THE WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS..................................................................................... 16

    EMT-BASIC.......................................................................................................................................................................... 20

    EMT-INTERMEDIATE .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

    EMD ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

    I FAILED NOW WHAT? .............................................................................................................................................. 22

    USING MY RESULT LETTER ................................................................................................................................................. 22

    TESTING AT A LOWER LEVEL .............................................................................................................................................. 24

    HOW TO FIND ADDITIONAL STUDY GUIDES AND PRACTICE TESTS ............................................................ 24

    REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................................................... 25

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    INTRODUCTION

    Whether you are just starting or have been in the rewarding and exciting field of Emergency Medical Services(EMS) for years, testing can be a stressful task. The purpose of this study guide is to provide EMS students,recertifying personnel, and reciprocity candidates with information in the following areas:

    What to study for the written examinations

    When to study for an examination

    Where to study for an examination

    Why is there a written exam?

    How to study for an examination

    WHY IS THERE A WRITTEN EXAMINATION?

    A test or an examination (or "exam") is an assessment, often administered on paper or on the computer,intended to measure the test-takers' knowledge, perception, reasoning, intuition, skills, and aptitudes. Tests areoften used in education, professional certification, the military, and many other fields.

    The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) isdirected in law to establish a standard to ensure our EMSproviders meet a minimum level of quality. Forprofessional certification and licensure examinations, thepurpose of the test is to protect the general public fromincompetent practitioners.[1]

    Standardized tests such as the state EMS certification examsare ones that assess the performance of every individualsubject with a specific standard. This means that everyindividual that takes the test has an equal opportunity topass.

    Tests reveal that some examinees do not know the material.While failing these people may protect the public fromincompetent EMS providers, the consequences of repeatedfailure can be very high for the individual. Sometimesfailing people could be a drawback to the public, for

    example a small community not having enough EMSpersonnel to run on the ambulance.

    For these reasons we have created this guide to assistexaminees in preparing for the state EMS certificationexams. Since a confident attitude and adequate preparationare the hallmarks of a successful testing experience, thisstudy guide is intended to provide techniques to mentally and physically prepare for an examination.

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    WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN EXAMINATION

    Preparing for a test can sometimes feel like an undue burden. This sometimes leads to procrastination andanxiety which in turn can lead to poor test performance. This section of the study guide will give you strategies

    to overcome these roadblocks. It will also cover several concepts to help improve the learning process.

    A. Learning Time: When should I study?

    Learning the material for your EMS certification examsshould start the first day of your first EMS course. Throughhours of course time or continuing medical education youwere presented with vital knowledge to help you become acompetent EMS provider. Make sure that you identify andunderstand thoroughly everything that your instructors

    emphasized in class. This knowledge can be a great startingpoint to center your preparations for the test.

    Many students wait until the last minute to study for anexam. This can effect how they will perform on the exam.The State University of New York at Buffalo provides thefollowing insight about procrastination.

    Procrastination

    Procrastination is the avoidance of doing a task which needs to be accomplished. This can lead to

    feelings of guilt, inadequacy, depression and self-doubt among students. Procrastination has a highpotential for painful consequences. It interferes with the academic and personal success ofstudents.

    How to Overcome Procrastination

    Recognize self-defeating problems such as; fear and anxiety, difficulty concentrating, poortime management, indecisiveness and perfectionism.

    Identify your own strengths and weaknesses, values and priorities.

    Compare your actions with the values you feel you have. Are your values consistent with youractions?

    Study in small blocks instead of long time periods. For example, you will accomplish more ifyou study/work in 60 minute blocks and take frequent 10 minute breaks in between, than ifyou study/work for 2-3 hours straight, with no breaks. Reward yourself after you complete atask.

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    Motivate yourself to study: Dwell on success, not on failure. Try to study in small groups.Break large assignments into small tasks. Keep a reminder schedule and checklist.

    Discipline yourself to use time wisely: Set priorities.

    Set realistic goals. [2]

    B. Where to study: A place to remember

    A good place to study is vital. The best learning is done in a relaxed atmosphere, free of outsidedistractions.

    How-To-Study.com recommends the following to improve your learning environment:

    Your Study Place does you little good if you cannot use it when you need it. If you are using aStudy Place that you must share with others for any reason, work out a schedule so that you

    know when you can use it.

    It is important to have uninterrupted study time. Youmay have to hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign on thedoor or take the phone off the hook.

    Research shows that most students study best in aquiet environment. If you find that playing a stereoyour mood, keep the volume low.

    Be sure your Study Place includes reference sources

    such as your textbook and supplies such as pens,paper, calculator, and whatever else you might need.If you use a computer for your schoolwork, it shouldbe in your Study Place.

    While working on an assignment or studying for atest, use a desk or table that is large enough to holdeverything you need. Allow enough room for writingand try to avoid clutter.

    You need enough room to store your study materials. Be sure you have enough storage space

    to allow you to keep your desktop or other work surface clear of unnecessary materials thatcan get in the way. Take a few minutes to straighten your desk. This can help to reduce day-dreaming.

    A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with yourstudying. A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which youcan sit for long periods while maintaining your attention.

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    The amount of light you need depends on what you are doing. The important thing is that youcan clearly see what you need to see without any strain or discomfort.

    If your Study Place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking mayslow down and become unclear. Select a temperature at which your mind and body function

    best. [3]

    C. Learning and remembering: A skill to be mastered

    When you begin to study for an examination, try to learn the material as opposed to memorizing.Memorizing information fills your short term memory with temporary knowledge that you will likelyforget after short periods of time. As a responsible member of the EMS team, you must have lastingknowledge and understanding of life saving skills. By taking an interest in your functional skills andknowledge, you become motivated to learn material you are most interested in. The University ofWisconsin recommends the follow ideas to help:

    Studying involves two activities: the learning and remembering of information. Many studentsview studying as merely rereading their textbook chapters and lecture notes. However, this methodis usually ineffective when learning new information. Even after rereading the material severaltimes, students still have difficulty remembering it because it was probably never encoded intotheir memory system. The learning of new information requires conscious effort. Use thestrategies below to help ensure that information is being learned well and stored securely in yourmemory system.

    Make the Material Meaningful

    It's difficult to remember information that is confusing and doesn't make sense, and often theauthor's explanations of concepts and vocabulary terms are unclear. Instead of trying to rememberthe author's words, put the information into your own words as your words are likely to be moremeaningful than the author's. In addition, try to "personalize" the information by thinking ofexamples and relating it to other information you've learned and/or your own life experiences.

    Many students try to memorize information they don't fully understand which is one reason whyinformation doesn't "stick." Try to understand the information before you try to remember it.

    Study Actively

    As mentioned previously, studying does not consist of passively rereading your text, lecture notesor study sheet. Instead, actively think about the information by explaining the information out loudto yourself using your own words. In succeeding sessions, try to recite the information a littledifferently each time by rewording it or thinking of different examples. In addition, you shouldalso think critically about the information you're studying by noting relationships among ideas,asking yourself "how" and "why," comparing and contrasting information, determining thesignificance of events, etc. Actively thinking about the material numerous times and in several

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    different ways helps keep the information "alive" in your short term memory and enhances yourcomprehension and retention of the material.

    Rehearse Using Elaboration

    Rehearsal is the conscious repetition of information. There are two types of rehearsal: roterehearsal and elaborative rehearsal. Rote rehearsal consists of repeating the same words over andover again with little or no variation. This is not a very effective method for learning andremembering new information because often the full meaning is not grasped. Elaborativerehearsal, on the other hand, involves expanding on the information by analyzing it further andrelating it to information already stored in your memory. This type of rehearsal is much moreeffective for encoding information into your long term memory for retrieval later.

    Review Often

    Ideally, you should review after each lecture and after reading each textbook chapter. After each

    lecture, read through your notes and highlight key points and/or use the left margin of your paperto indicate important information such as major concepts, vocabulary terms, possible testquestions, etc. Also check for inaccurate and/or missing information. After reading a textbookchapter, go back and reread the headings and subheadings, portions of the text that you highlightedor marked and, finally, the summary. Since much of what we learn is forgotten quickly, frequentreviewing helps to keep the information fresh in your mind and reduces the amount of time youwill need to spend later in the semester when studying for an exam. As you review, identify earlyon information that is confusing or difficult to understand and seek clarification. Know what youdon't know! [4]

    In Summary when you are learning, make a special effort to:

    Remember the information. Verbally discuss or read aloud the information you want to remember.

    Visualize images as you are learning.

    Mentally picture yourself performing the skills.

    Tie in new information with what you have already learned.

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    D. Physical and mental preparation

    Taking a test is often a stressful and sometimes threateningexperience. How-To-Study.com gives the following

    information about overcoming test anxiety.

    Too much anxiety about a test is commonly referred to astest anxiety. It is perfectly natural to feel some anxiety whenpreparing for and taking a test. In fact, a little anxiety canjump start your studying and keep you motivated.However, too much anxiety can interfere with yourstudying. You may have difficulty learning andremembering what you need to know for the test. Further,too much anxiety may block your performance during thetest. You may have difficulty demonstrating what you know

    during the test.

    What can I do about test anxiety?

    Use good study techniques to gain cognitive (perception, reasoning, intuition) mastery of thematerial that will be covered on the test. This mastery will help you to approach the test withconfidence rather than have excessive anxiety.

    Maintain a positive attitude as you study. Think about doing well, not failing. Think of the test asan opportunity to show how much you have learned. Go into the test well rested and well fed.Get enough sleep the night before the test. Eat a light and nutritious meal before the test. Stayaway from junk foods.

    Stay relaxed during the test. Taking slow, deep breaths can help. Focus on positive self-statements such as I can do this. Dont panic even if you find the test difficult. Dont worryabout finishing the test quickly. Take the time that you need to do your best. You have to knowthe material to do well on a test. You have to control test anxiety to show what you know. [5]

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    Computer Based Testing

    The EMS written exam is conducted on computers. The test is web based making it available through out Utahat secure testing centers. Computer based tests are powerful and accurate evaluation tool and have several

    advantages over paper based tests.

    A. Advantages

    Immediate test results

    More options on when to take the exam

    Accessibility throughout the state

    Superior exam security

    More accurate evaluation of a candidates competency

    Less chance of accidentally skipping questions

    Less expensive to conduct

    B. Scheduling

    You can schedule your exam for any of the following locations by calling BEMS at 1-801-538-6435, option 1,or 1-800-284-1131.

    Salt Lake City: BEMS office

    Orem: UVSCAdditional fees: $15Paramedic, $8 EMT-B, EMT-I EMT-IASt. George: Dixie StateAdditional $12

    for all levels

    Moab: USU CenterLogan: Bridgerland ATC

    Ephraim: Snow CollegeAdditional $10for all levelsPrice: CEU

    Roosevelt: USU Center

    Layton: WSU Davis CampusAdditional

    $20 for all levelsMountainland: ATC open to MATCstudents only

    Once you have scheduled your exam you will receive an e-mail similar to the one below. You musthave this with you when you check in at the test center along with a picture ID.

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    C. The user interface

    The written exam is comprised of multiple choice questions. Once logged into the test you will see asimilar screen as the one below.

    The time remaining is displayed in green in the upper right of the screen.

    You may select the blue Instructions link, located on the upper right, for informationspecific to this type of test.

    The number of questions answered and the total number of question are shown in the centerjust above the questions.

    Five questions are displayed at a time.

    You should click the circle next to the appropriate answer. The circle will then appear asfilled. It is a good idea to check to make sure that all questions have been answered.

    You can use the bottom navigation (FIRST, PREV, NEXT, LAST, or Jump to Page) tomove through the test.

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    Upon reaching the end of the test, you should click the Review/Finalize button. The application willindicate if you have successfully finished the test, or if there are unanswered questions.

    The number of questions answered versus the available questions is displayed in the center of thescreen. If there are unanswered questions, the question number, and a blue link to that question, isdisplayed.

    To return to the test, click the Continue Test button.

    To finish and end the test process, click the Complete Test button.

    Once you hit YES the results screen will be displayed.

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    At the bottom of the results screen there will be a message indicating that the Test Center willautomatically reset in two minutes. You may immediately reset the Test Center by clicking the ResetTest Center button.The Test Center is now ready to be unlocked for the next student.

    Once you finish your exam you will receive an e-mail similar to the one below detailing your testresults.

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    HOW TO ANSWER MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

    Answering multiple choice questions can sometimes seem like luck of the draw. They have even beenreferred to as multiple guess questions. Always use your own judgment, knowledge, and experience to

    answer the questions. If you know your material, have confidence in yourself, and use these test takinghints, you will successfully complete your written test without having to guess.

    Carefully analyze each question in the multiple choice test.Understand exactly what the question is asking beforeconsidering the answers. Usually, the questions are lookingfor one specific response. Before looking at the answers, tryto think of the correct answer. Do not read extra meaninginto the question. To better understand, you may want to

    rephrase the question in your mind.

    Notice if the question is asking for the correct or incorrectresponse. Look for the phrases using, except, not, ornot usually.

    Example:

    All of the following are signs and symptoms of a heart attack except:

    A. Restlessness and anxietyB. Nausea and vomitingC. Severe headacheD. Feeling of impending doom

    In this case the question is asking you to identify the incorrect response. The correctanswer is C; a headache is not a common symptom of a heart attack.

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    You must analyze each answer to discover which one is the correct choice for the specific questionasked. Often it will appear that there is more than one correct answer to the question. The first thingto do is to eliminate obviously wrong answers. If you end up with two answers left and you aren'tsure which is correct, choosing between those two rather than four or five choices increases yourchance of answering the question correctly. Once you choose an answer recheck your choice to

    make sure it really does answer the question.

    Example:

    Directions: Use the picture below to answer the question.

    1. The best title for this picture would be:

    A. The Right Artium

    B. The Right and Left Ventricle

    C. The Human Heart

    D. The Tricuspid Valve

    Step 1: Read the question carefully. It asks for the best title for this picture. A picture title tells the general

    topic of the picture, so look closely to find the answer that best describes this picture.

    Step 2: Try out all the answers.

    I. The Right Atrium: The map shows the right atrium, but it also shows the left atrium. You can cross

    out this answer.

    II. The Right and Left Ventricle: Both the right and left ventricle are on the picture. Keep this answer

    as a possibility.

    III. The Human Heart: This picture shows the entire human heart, so this is a better answer than Answer

    B. Check if the last answer is better.

    IV. The Tricuspid Valve: There is no tricuspid valve on the picture. Cross out this answer.

    Step 3: Both Answer B and Answer C are possibilities, but Answer C is better. Choose The HumanHeart for the best title.

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    Sometimes, there are multiple items in eachpossible answerto a question. If eliminating incorrectitems does not give you an obviously correct answer, go through and note all the items you know arecorrect, and choose between the few remaining items.

    Beware of questions or answers that have always or never in their wording. They are rarelytrue. However, answers such as, all of the above or none of the above, are likely to becorrect. Frequently, the most comprehensive answer is the best choice. For example, if twoanswers seem logical, and answer a is contained in part of answer b then b is probably the

    correct choice.

    Stick with your first hunch. Your first guess at an answer is usually right. If you select answera right off, then decide that b is a better guess, youre probably wrong.

    Example:

    Common signs and symptoms of internal bleeding include:question

    A. Dark Tarry stool itemsB. Abdominal rigidity or tendernessC. HypertensionD. Bleeding from the mouth:

    1) A, B, Dpossible answers2) A, D3) B, C, D4) C, D5) A, B, C, D

    Step 1: Tead the question carefully. In this question it asks what the signs and symptoms of internal bleedingare.

    Step 2: There are numerous signs and symptoms of internal bleeding. look at all of the items. Several ofthese items that are signs or symptoms of internal bleeding.

    Step 3: Next try to eliminate incorrect items. Hypertension is not a common symptom of internal bleeding.

    Step 4: Knowing that hypertension is not a common sign allows you to eliminate 3, 4, and 5 as possiblecorrect answers.

    Step 5: This leaves just 1 and 2. Abdominal rigidity is a sign of internal bleeding so choose 1 as the answer.

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    WHAT to study for the written examinations

    Often testing candidates express that they are uncertain of what they need to know for the written exam.This can be frustrating and cause undue anxiety, which in turn can affect the performance of a candidate.

    Unlike many educational exams high stake exams such as the EMS certification exams cannot give outthe test questions. In an educational environment the instructor should give the answers to test questionsin an effort to help a student learn.

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    During a certification exam it is expected that the educational process has taken place and the student ismeasured on their level of competence and knowledge. If the test questions were given out to the publicit would be impossible to tell if someone had a strong EMS knowledge base or if they simply knew thetest.

    The Department of Transportation, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, is thefederal parent of EMS in the United States. They publish an EMS training standard called the NationalStandard Curriculum (NSC). Almost every current EMS textbook youll find in the U.S. is based on theNSC. The NSC is broken down into modules, lessons and objectives. These titles will correspond withtitles in your textbook. The modules might be called divisions, and the lessons might be called chapters.Below is a comparison of the EMT-B NSC and an EMT-B textbook.

    Example: National Standard Curriculum Example: EMS textbook

    Every state uses the NSC as a basis for some or all of their EMS training. This makes it possible for anEMT-B from California to get reciprocity in Utah.

    The scope of practice or what an EMS provider level does in Utah is defined in law as the objectives ofNSC. As a key component of an EMS team you are required to meet a certain competency andknowledge level. The test assesses an individual on a relatively small sample of what they are actually

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    expected to know on the streets, however you could potentially get a question based on any of theobjectives.

    Each question on the test is tied directly to an objective from the NSC. EMS textbooks use theseobjectives as a foundation for their content. At the beginning or end of each chapter you can find these

    objectives. You can also find a complete listing of the objectives for all of the certification levels on theBEMS website www.health.utah.gov/ems/training . They will be located under the course materials foryour certification level. Notice in the examples below that the objectives in the NSC are identical to theones in the textbook. Using the objectives as a guide may provide you with a straightforward way tofigure out what you know and what you dont know.

    Example: National Standard Curriculum Objectives Example: EMS Textbook Objectives

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    Here is an example of how you can use the objectives to guide your studies.

    Example:

    EMT-Basic: National Standard CurriculumModule 1: PreparatoryLesson 1-1: Introduction to Emergency Medical Care-------------------------------------

    COGNITIVE OBJECTIVESAt the completion of this lesson, the EMT-Basic student will be able to:1-1.1 Define Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems.(C-1)1-1.2 Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of the EMT-Basic from otherprehospital care providers.(C-3)1-1.3 Describe the roles and responsibilities related to personal safety.(C-1)1-1.4 Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the EMT-Basic towards the safetyof the crew, the patient and bystanders.(C-1)1-1.5 Define quality improvement and discuss the EMT-Basic's role in the

    process.(C-1)1-1.6 Define medical direction and discuss the EMT-Basic's role in theprocess.(C-1)1-1.7 State the specific statutes and regulations in your state regarding theEMS system.(C-1)

    Step 1: Get a copy of the NSC objectives from the BEMS website.

    Step 2: Cross out objectives that you already know.

    Step 3: Highlight objectives you dont know.

    Step 4: Review the textbook until you feel like you have a solid understanding of those concepts.Once you feel like you understand an objective I cross it out.

    Step 5: Continue to cross out the highlighted objectives until you are able to cross out all of them.When complete, you should feel confident that you understand everything you need to knowfor the test and as an EMS provider.

    While it is true that as a practicing EMS provider you could be called upon to do everything in the NSC,you are not required to get a 100% on the test. For example the EMT-B test requires the student toknow 80% of the answers. In other words you can miss up to 20 questions and still pass. So relax, youarent expected to have a perfect knowledge and you have some room for error on the EMS certification

    exams.

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    EMT-Basic

    The EMT-B test has 100 scored multiple choice questions. Sometimes a student will have more than100 questions on the test. These additional questions are non scored and are presented for statisticalvalidation in order to use them on future examinations. The test is referenced from the NSC. You are

    also expected to know the following medications that are required to be carried on EMT-I ambulances inUtah or are patient assisted medication.

    Aspirin

    Epinephrine auto-injectors

    Concentrated oral glucose

    Activated Charcoal

    Nitroglycerin

    Albuterol Sulfate

    The test is broken down by approximate percentages into the following seven modules. Included is a

    brief summary of the lessons and their content. This summary does not include the practical skill lablessons.

    1. Preparatory 26%2. Airway 6%3. Patient Assessment 16%4. Medical / Behavioral Emergencies and Obstetrics / Gynecology 29%5. Trauma 14%6. Infants and Children 3%7. Operations 6%

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    EMT-Intermediate

    The EMT-I test has 154 scored multiple choice questions. Sometimes a student will have more than 154questions on the test. The additional questions are non scored questions and are presented for statisticalvalidation in order to use them on future examinations. The test is referenced from the NSC. Several

    lessons are not covered in EMT-I courses in Utah. Additionally the EMT-I objectives on our websitethat are listed in red are not covered in courses or on the test. You are also expected to know thefollowing medications that are required to be carried on EMT-I ambulances in Utah.

    Activated Charcoal

    Nitroglycerine (tablets and spray)

    Atropine Sulfate

    Dextrose 50%

    Epinephrine 1:1,000

    Epinephrine 1:10,000

    Lidocaine

    Morphine Sulfate

    Albuterol Sulfate

    Naloxone HCL

    Lidocaine IV Drip

    Irrigation solution

    Aspirin

    Ringers Lactate

    Normal Saline

    Glucagon

    The test is broken down by approximate percentages into the following six modules.

    1. Preparatory 27%2. Airway 19%3. Patient Assessment 21%4. Trauma 11 %5. Medical 20%6. Special Considerations 2%

    EMD

    The EMD test has 25 scored multiple choice questions. Sometimes a student will have more than 25 questionson the test. These are non scored questions that are presented for statistical validation in order to use them onfuture examinations. The test is referenced from the NSC. The test is broken down by approximate percentagesinto the following six modules. Included is a brief summary of the lessons and their content.

    1. EMDs Roles and Responsibilities 12%2. Obtaining Information from Caller 16%3. Resource Allocation 8%4. Providing Emergency Care Instruction 8%5. Legal and Liability Issues in Emergency Medical Dispatch 12%6. Critical Incident Stress Management 8%7. Basic Emergency Medical Concepts 12%8. Design and Structure of EMDPRS 8%9. Chief Complaint Types 16%

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    I failed Now what?

    Im sorry if you are reading this section seeing how its most likely because you failed the test. Hopefully youhave had a day to cool off and to let your mind clear. If not its probably a good idea to put this study guidedown and try not to think about it for day or two.

    Once your mind is clear here are some things to help you pass on your next attempt.

    Using my result letter

    When you receive your results letter, analyze it to see how you could have done better. Learn from yourmistakes and from what you did well. Apply this knowledge when you take the next test. Remember that theareas listed in the letter correspond with the chapters in your textbook. Below is an example of the result letteryou will receive.

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    February 15, 2008

    JOHN DOE111 SOUTH 183 WESTSALT LAKE CITY, UT 84103

    The following are your recent EMS written test results:

    TEST: EMT-BASICRESULTS: FailedTEST DATE: 02/15/2008

    If you failed your test, you may schedule a retest by calling 801 538-6435, option 1,or 1-800-284-1131. Retesting must be completed no more than 120 days from the end

    of the course (for students) or prior to your recertification expiration date(for recertifications). A written retest will cost $15. The Bureau of EMS mustreceive the retest fee before you may sign up for a retest.

    All EMS applicants have three attempts to pass the test. If this was your second attempt, it isstrongly recommended that you receive remediation from your course coordinator or trainingofficer before your final test. If you have taken this test three times, you must complete acertification course to be eligible for further testing.

    Following is a list of reference materials that indicate areas you missed on your examination:

    [INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND SPINE, WELL BEING OF THEEMT-BASIC, BLEEDING AND SHOCK, CARDIOVASCULAR EMERGENCIES, AIRWAY,

    POISONING/OVERDOSE, BASELINE VITAL SIGNS AND SAMPLE HISTORY, DETAILEDPHYSICAL EXAM, INFANTS AND CHILDREN, ALLERGIES]

    Please review the above references before retesting.

    THIS LETTER IS NOT PROOF OF CERTIFICATION. If you have met all requirementsfor certification or recertification, proof of certification will be mailed soon.

    If you have questions regarding this letter, please contact our office at 801 538-6435,option 1, or 1-800-284-1131.

    Thank you for your interest in the Utah EMS system.

    These titles correspond to the lessons that you missedquestions from. Review What to study for thewritten exam starting on page 18 to help guide you inusing these references.

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    24

    Testing at a lower level

    If you just dont feel you will be able to pass one of the higher level certification exams you can always test at alower level. This is also true if you fail a test three times. For example if you failed the EMT-I test three times

    you could test as EMT-B. For the EMT-B and EMD courses if you fail the test three times you will have toretake the course.

    How to find additional study guides and practice tests

    There are a number of excellent review manuals, study guides, and practice test for all levels of EMS training.Many of the practice exam questions are presented in a multiple choice format, which is the same format as theBEMS written examination. Often, the correct answer, with rationale is contained within these manuals.Sometime just getting used to reading test questions can make taking the certification test easier. These guidesmay also provide you with additional resources to review and enhance your knowledge and skills. The

    publisher of your textbook will likely have many of these products. Simple internet searches can lead you tocountless products for EMS exam preparation. Many public libraries also have these types of books.

    For additional questions about the Utah EMS written exams

    Travis Scoresby [email protected]

    Dennis Bang 801-538-6281

    [email protected]

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    References

    Print sources

    [1] Mehrens, W.A. (1995). Legal and Professional Bases for Licensure Testing. In Impara, J.C. (Ed.)Licensuretesting: Purposes, procedures, and practices, pp. 33-58. Lincoln, NE: Buros Institute

    Electronic sources

    [2] Overcoming Procrastination. (14-Aug-2007 14:35:16 EDT) Retrieved February 14, 2008, from StateUniversity of New York at Buffalo Web site,, http://ub-counseling.buffalo.edu/stressprocrast.shtml

    [3] Preparing to Study: A Good Study Place. (n.d.) Retrieved Febuary 13, 2008, from http://www.how-to-study.com/preparing-to-study.htm

    [4] Susan Ziegert (n.d.) Studying: Learning and remembering information. Retrieved Febuary 19, 2008, fromUniversity of Wisconsin Waukesha Web site, http://www.waukesha.uwc.edu/sc/skills/st_learning.html

    [5] Test Anxiety. (n.d.) Retrieved February 15, 2008, from http://www.how-to-study.com/testanxiety.htm


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