West Coast EMT Block One Exam

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reaction?

1. an EMT is emotionally exhausted after a severe incident

2. a newly certified EMT becomes nauseated at a gruesome scene

3. an EMT becomes irritable and experiences headaches and insomnia

4. an EMT becomes distracted by a familiar vehicle type at a crash scene

The correct answer is: an EMT becomes distracted by a familiar vehicle type at a crash scene

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by specific symptoms that can arise following exposure to a traumatic event. Among the scenarios presented, becoming distracted by a familiar vehicle type at a crash scene aligns closely with a PTSD reaction, as it indicates intrusive thoughts or reminders of a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD often experience flashbacks to the trauma, heightened emotional responses to certain triggers, and heightened anxiety when confronted with reminders of the event. In this scenario, the EMT’s distraction can serve as a coping mechanism or an involuntary response to their emotions, consistent with the way PTSD can manifest in individuals who have experienced trauma. This distraction can be understood as a symptom of the struggle to process the traumatic event, leading to difficulties concentrating and an altered perception of the environment. The other scenarios involve emotional or physical responses that may arise from stress or critical incidents but do not specifically illustrate the psychological impact associated with PTSD. Emotional exhaustion can happen after long, stressful work shifts, nausea at a gruesome scene represents a normal stress reaction rather than a long-term psychological issue, and irritability along with physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia may suggest general stress or burnout rather than the specific, intrusive responses seen in PTSD.