EMT NREMT Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT002) Exam Free Practice Exam Questions (2026 Updated)

SALT (Sort, Assess, Lifesaving interventions, Treatment/Transport) is a mass casualty triage method recommended by the CDC and the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP). During the " Assess " step, responders:

Check respirations

Provide lifesaving interventions such as rescue breaths if the patient is not breathing but has a pulse

Evaluate mentation (e.g., ability to follow commands)

Airway adjuncts and full transport do not happen at this stage. Scorecards and pediatric-specific modifications are addressed later in the protocol.

The correct answer is C. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

This question is testing recognition of classic signs and symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot forming in a deep vein, most commonly in the lower extremities.

The patient presents with hallmark findings:

Unilateral calf pain (cramping/soreness)

Swelling (one calf larger than the other)

Redness

Warmth to the touch

These findings strongly indicate DVT.

According to NREMT-aligned EMT educational material:

“Signs of deep vein thrombosis include swelling, pain, warmth, and redness of the affected extremity.”

“DVT most commonly occurs in the legs and may present with unilateral swelling.”

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Hyperthermia:A systemic condition involving elevated body temperature, not localized calf swelling and pain.

B. Food poisoning:Causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, not localized extremity findings.

D. Compartment syndrome:Typically presents with severe pain (often out of proportion), decreased pulses, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis—not primarily redness and warmth. It is usually associated with trauma.

Clinical significance (important NREMT concept):

DVT is dangerous because the clot can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening.

NREMT guidance:

“A thrombus in a deep vein may dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.”

Exact Extracts:

“Signs of deep vein thrombosis include swelling, pain, warmth, and redness.”

“DVT most often affects the lower extremities.”

“A thrombus can break free and become an embolus, traveling to the lungs.”

The patient’s symptoms are consistent with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The first-line treatments are:

Aspirin (160–325 mg): inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing clot progression.

Oxygen: administered when SpO₂ < 94% or signs of hypoxia/distress are present.

CPAP is for pulmonary edema or respiratory failure. Nitroglycerin requires BP > 90 systolic and medical direction approval. Laying the patient supine may increase myocardial workload and is inappropriate unless hypotension occurs.