Firefighter Exam Cheat Sheet. Table of Contents. People Don't Plan to Fail Verbal Expression Deductive Reasoning... 7

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2 Table of Contents People Don't Plan to Fail Verbal Expression... 6 Deductive Reasoning... 7 Inductive Reasoning... 9 Information Ordering Personality Attributes

3 People Don't Plan to Fail... They simply fail to plan. I rarely (never) mentor a candidate that didn't need fine tuning and practice in some areas of the written exam. You've heard me say time and time again it's the most difficult part of the hiring process, right? So why do people take it so lightly? I have a few theories on this I'd like to share. First, most candidates receive unreliable information about the test contents and its structure. This gives them a false sense of security about their ability so they don't bother to prepare. This candidate typically says: "I didn't know that was on the test!" Secondly, candidates put far too much emphasis (and worry) into the physical ability test, focusing their preparation on "hitting the weights" or "doing some cardio". WRONG If you aren't taking practice exams routinely you could be ruining your chances of becoming a firefighter, or prolonging the process by failing multiple tests. Remember, my job is to help you get from an application to a paycheck in the shortest amount of time possible and I'm pretty good at my job. : ) Here's the good news... This quick guide is an introduction to the type of questions you ll see on the entrance exam. I have TONS of questions you can have access to. This is a just a quick start guide to get you motivated! Verbal Comprehension is the ability to understand language, either written or spoken. This ability involves both individual words as well as patterns of words like sentences or phrases. This is the ability to hear a description of an event and understand what happened. This is also the ability to read a sentence and understand the meaning. This ability can be used in reading or listening to narrative materials like incident reports, fire safety codes, receiving radio communications, or following verbal orders. 3

4 *TIP These types of questions are more time consuming than other questions because there is typically a great deal of material to read. You MUST take your time and read through the material carefully so you may correctly answer the question. Sample Question Engine 90 was dispatched to 5:02 am to assist an elderly man who was complaining of chest pains. The firefighters arrived at 8719 Jackie Rd., # 4N at approximately 5:09 am. Firefighter Finch and Phillips exited the engine and entered the apartment building. When Finch knocked on the door, a woman greeted him. The woman identified herself as Mrs. Jackson. She said she was the neighbor. She led the firefighters through the house and down the hallway where Mr. Edlin was laying on a bed in the living room. Mr. Edlin appeared pale and was in obvious distress. Both firefighters recognized Mr. Edlin from previous medical calls. Firefighter Finch greeted Mr. Edlin and began asking him questions related to his condition. Mr. Edlin was alert and answered the questions clearly without hesitation. His breathing was normal. Firefighter Phillips took Mr. Edlin s pulse: 110 and thready. Firefighter Finch determined that Mr. Edlin should be transported to the hospital right now. He was given oxygen, lifted onto the gurney and carefully placed in the ambulance. EMT s continued treatment. The ambulance departed for the hospital at 5:22 am and arrived at 5:31 am. The firefighters gathered their equipment and locked the door to the apartment. Mr. Edlin s chest pain was later diagnosed as angina and he was treated and released for the hospital 5 hours later. 1. The room where Mr. Edlin was found by firefighters was the A. Entry hall B. Living room C. Kitchen D. Bedroom E. Study 4

5 2. Mr. Edlin arrived at the hospital at A. 5:02 am B. 5:09 am C. 5:22 am D. 5:30 am E. 5:31 am Answers to sample questions 1 and 2 1. B 2. E 5

6 Verbal Expression Verbal Expression is defined as the ability to use language (either verbal or written) to communicate ideas or information to other people. These people can include other firefighters, bystanders, witnesses, victims and other individuals with whom the firefighter may come in contact with. This ability includes vocabulary, knowledge of distinction among words, knowledge of grammar and the way words are ordered. Sample Questions Please choose the appropriate word or phrase to complete the following sentence 1. As soon as they arrived, the firefighters decided to their work detail A. begin B. began C. had began D. had begun E. had begin Please identify which one of the underlined words is spelled incorrectly 2. Paramedics should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of cardeac distress. A. trained B. recognize C. symptoms D. cardeac Answers to sample questions 1 and 2 1. A 2. D 6

7 Deductive Reasoning Deductive Reasoning is the ability to apply general rules or regulations to specific situations or to proceed from the stated principles to logical conclusions. An example might be the decision to use one chemical or mechanical fire-extinguishing agent over another or one medication over another. Use the following information to answer questions 1 and 2 The following is a list of the 6 most common categories of medications that are relevant to patient care. Analgesics: prescribed for temporary pain relief, fever control and the reduction of inflammation. Antiarrhythmic: prescribed for the treatment of heart-rhythm disorders Anticonvulsants: prescribed for prevention and control of seizures. Antidiabetic agents: prescribed to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels in hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) patients and to provide insulin, which allows the body to regulate the metabolism of sugar. Bronchodilators: prescribed to provide relief of bronchial asthma and other allergies affecting the respiratory system by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes. 1. According to the information about the medications described previously, if a person is having trouble breathing due to dust or pollen, what category of medication would be prescribed? A. Analgesics B. Antiarrhythmic C. Anticonvulsants D. Antihypertensive E. Bronchodilators 7

8 2. On a windy fall day, a child playing at recess sprains her right ankle. The school nurse would prescribe to treat the child. A. Analgesics B. Antiarrhythmic C. Anticonvulsants D. Antihypertensive E. Bronchodilators The answers to sample questions 1 and 2 are as follows 1. E 2. A 8

9 Inductive Reasoning Inductive Reasoning is the ability to find a rule or concept that fits the situation. It also involves understanding of how a string of events might be connected. One example of this ability is determining the point of origin of a fire or finding repeated violations of a fire code during building inspections. Sample Questions Use the following passage to answer sample questions A drunk driver barreling down Georgia Avenue runs through a four way stop intersection and strikes a minivan traveling through the intersection, pushing it into a parked car on the side of the street. Three people call 911. The area dispatcher notifies local police, EMS and fire rescue. Firefighters arrive on scene and assess the situation. They examine the scene, the vehicles and their drivers. The drunk driver is sitting in her car, holding her forehead and blood is oozing through her fingers. A man is trapped in the minivan that was hit broadside. He was wearing his seatbelt. He appears to be unconscious but there is no apparent bleeding. Firefighters determine that there is some swelling in his chest and abdomen, and his arm has obvious deformities. The firefighter suspects possible internal injuries. The man should be removed from the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. A firefighter gains access to the minivan through a side door and begins to assess the male patient more closely. After initially stabilizing the male patient, the firefighter covers him with a blanket to protect him from breaking glass while the other firefighters began to cut the windshield. He is transported to a local trauma center for further assessment and treatment of his injuries. The drunk driver also receives attention. Other firefighters assess her injuries and general physical condition. Other than the wound to her forehead, there are no obvious injuries. A closer evaluation reveals one pupil is dilated. The firefighter suspects this woman potentially suffered a serious head injury. She is immediately placed on a cot and transported to the hospital. 9

10 1. Most likely, what sign on the minivan driver suggests internal bleeding? A. Slurred speech B. One dilated pupil C. Swelling in the abdomen D. Broken leg E. Cut on forehead 2. An appropriate title for this passage would be A. Witnessing an Accident B. A Bad Day on Georgia Ave. C. Extricating a Victim D. Evaluating Injuries After a Traumatic Accident E. The Symptoms of Head Injuries The answers to sample questions 1 and 2 are as follows 1. C 2. D (Discovering the theme of an article may require you to read it several times) 10

11 Information Ordering Information Ordering is the ability to apply rules to a situation for the purpose of putting the information in the best or most appropriate sequence. In order to use this ability, rules or instructions must exist for the person to know the order of information. It involves the application of specific sequences or procedures to a given situation. An example of the use of this ability might be when a firefighter is deciding which set of procedures to follow first and which to follow thereafter. Sample Questions Use the information in the following passage to answer sample questions 1 and 2 Firefighters are not only taught how to extinguish fires, they are also trained in emergency medicine. It s important that they learn to treat serious injuries, such as burns, cuts, broken bones, abrasions, heart failure and breathing problems. Because these medical emergencies are likely to occur on the fire ground, basic first aid is an essential part of the firefighter s job. Surprisingly, firefighters do not commonly deal with burns. The more common injuries at a fire site involve respiratory problems, heart failure and shock. If a person has no pulse, a firefighter should remove the victim from the path of the fire and initiate basic life support (CPR). Once a victim s heartbeat and breathing are restored, other injuries can be treated. Degrees of seriousness in descending order are bleeding wounds, shock and broken bones. Minor cuts and abrasions would of course have the lowest priority. 1. Of the conditions listed below, which would be one that you should treat last? A. Deep bleeding wound B. Heart failure C. Sprained ankle D. Shock E. Minor cuts 11

12 2. Determine the order with which you would treat the injuries listed in sample question 1 A. 5,2,3,1,4 B. 2,1,4,3,5 C. 3,2,4,1,5 D. 1,2,5,4,3 E. 4,1,2,5,3 The answers to sample questions 1 and 2 are as follows 1. E 2. B Sample questions address the order of treatment for medical conditions based on the information in the passage. It may be helpful to re-read the passage and write down the order of the medical conditions as they are given to you. 12

13 Personality Attributes Personality Attributes. There is no obviously correct or incorrect way to answer these questions. The goal of these types of questions is to compare your attitude and personality with that of successful firefighters. The closer your answers match successful firefighters, the higher your score and the more likely it is that you will be successful on the job. Your answers should reflect how you truly feel about a statement. You should be honest with your answers. A good rule is to put down the first thought that comes to mind. Over analyzing the statement or thinking too hard about the perfect response can often lead you down the wrong path. Sample Questions Please rate the sample personality statements using the scale provided. Be as honest as possible when answering the questions. Remember, there are no correct or incorrect answers. 1 - Strongly Agree 2 Agree 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 4 Disagree 5 Strongly Disagree 1) I am sometimes nervous around friends whom I have not seen in a long time 2) I enjoy trying to make others feel comfortable in situations 3) When I am uncertain of how to do a task, I will usually ask for clarity. 4) I am more assertive than most of my friends 5) Most people feel stressed when they get home from school or work 13

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14 Thanks for picking up this FREE cheat sheet! If you want more questions just me at I almost forgot There are more exam questions for you. Just follow this link while it s fresh on your mind! Once you complete the 45 question exam, me! 14

Patient Assessment From Brady s First Responder (8th Edition) 83 Questions

Patient Assessment From Brady s First Responder (8th Edition) 83 Questions 1. Which question is important if your patient may be a candidate for surgery? p. 183 *A.) When did you last eat? B.) What is