New York State
Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS
Practical Skills Examination
Administrative Manual
Certified First Responder
and
Emergency Medical Technician
2017
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 1
PREFACE
The State EMS Code (10NYCRR-800) requires that candidates for initial certification and
recertification pass a New York State Practical Skills Examination (PSE), prior to admission to
the New York State written certification examination. All New York State Certified First
Responders (CFR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses are required to conduct
the PSE at least 5 days prior to the NYS written examination, but not prior to the candidates
completing all course requirements for successful completion of the certification course.
This guide along with the Practical Skills Examination Testing sheets is available on our web
site at http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/index.htm under Education. Updates to
these documents are also placed on the web site. We encourage the CIC and Practical Skills
Examination Coordinators to check our web site prior to the start of each course and Practical
Skills Examination to assure they have the most recent versions of the documents.
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
875 Central Avenue
Albany, New York 12206
(518) 402-0996
Table of Contents
Preface 1
Introduction 3
Americans with Disabilities Act 4
Use of Personal Equipment 4
Required Testing Stations 4
Testing/Retesting Policies 5
Organizing the Examination 9
Evaluating the Candidate 16
General Instructions to the Candidate 19
Instructions to the Examiners 25
Minimum Equipment List 30
Individual Station Instructions 31
Appendix A – Final PSE documents 69
Appendix B – Station Sheets 79
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 2
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 3
INTRODUCTION
The New York State (NYS) Department of Health (DOH) Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services (BEMS) released a revised version of the National Education Standards for
Emergency Medical Technician and Certified First Responder Curriculum in 2012. This manual
reflects the revised standards and outlines the PSE, which will be used for the testing of all
Basic Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Certified First Responders (CFR). The
purpose of the practical examination is to assess basic entry level skill competency prior to
being admitted to the written certification examinations. While this examination tests some
selected skills, EMS instructors must develop candidate proficiency in all of the skills contained
in the course learning objectives. This examination must be administered to all original and
refresher candidates. This document contains specific scenarios necessary for exam
administration. All scenarios are confidential in nature and may not be used for training
purposes during courses.
Course Sponsors, Certified Instructor Coordinators, and their Practical Skills Exam
Coordinators, must review this manual, become familiar with and abide by all of the
administrative policies and procedures as well as any policy statements or regulations published
by the NYS DOH BEMS.
PREREQUISITES FOR ADMISSION
In order to be admitted to the practical examination, students must successfully complete all
course requirements to the satisfaction of the course sponsor and as specified in the
course policies and procedures and approved by BEMS. These include but not limited to:
• Acceptable attendance in the course
• Minimum grade requirements
• Completed clinical training (emergency department and\or field observation)
• Successful completion of CPR testing according to current AHA\ARC\NSC
standards for Professional Rescuers*
*CPR courses for the physically challenged, are NOT an acceptable substitute for
demonstration of CPR competency. EMTs\CFRs must be able to actually demonstrate
acceptable CPR knowledge and skills according to the written exams and performance
evaluations.
CERTIFICATION EXAM AND RETEST SEQUENCE
The NYS-EMS practical examination must precede the NYS-EMS written examination. The
practical examination and scheduled retest date should precede the NYS-EMS written
examination by at least five (5) days.
The Final Practical Skills examination can not be broken up in to more than two (2)
separate sessions. It is preferred to have the entire Practical Skills Examination administered
in one session. However, if there are too many candidates and/or the facility can not
accommodate conducting the entire examination within one session, the examination can be
administered over two sessions. The course schedule submitted to DOH with the Course
Application must accurately reflect the dates of the examination. There can not be more than
48 hours separating the two sessions. The results of the first session can not be given to the
candidates until they have completed the “entire” examination.
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 4
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
For the NYS Final Practical Skills Examination, the Department does not permit testing
accommodations, but will consider the use of certain aids by the candidate. Candidates with an
identified disability may be permitted to use certain aids, which they would be responsible to
provide and reasonably be able to bring to the patient’s side in actual practice. The only types
of aids, which are permitted are those which do not alter the essential functions of a CFR or
EMT. For example, the use of prescription or reading glasses, hearing aids and personal
stethoscopes have been permitted since they serve as an aid to the provider. In contrast, a
Braille sphygmomanometer would not be permitted since sight is considered an essential
function of the certified EMS provider. If you have questions or need further assistance with
ADA issues, please contact the NYS Bureau of EMS Central Office at (518) 402-0996.
USE OF PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Candidates may use their own pocket mask and stethoscopes for the practical examination.
Candidates may not bring or use equipment for the examination unless it is equipment used
during the course or special arrangements have been made with the CIC and PSE Coordinator.
This must be done in advance of the exam date! There is an equipment list for each skill
station, which delineates what the NYS Bureau of EMS program considers to be standard
ambulance equipment acceptable for use during the practical examination. No electronic
recording devices, one way or two-way communication devices are allowed at the site of the
practical skills examination. Any questions regarding the appropriateness of a piece of
equipment for training and testing should be directed to the NYS Bureau of EMS Central Office
Education Unit at (518) 402-0996.
REQUIRED TESTING STATIONS
EMT - The following skills are identified as being the minimum number of performance items
that must be included in every practical EMT-B examination.
EMT Mandatory Skills:
Station 1: Patient Assessment Management - Trauma
Station 2: Patient Assessment Management - Medical
Station 3: Cardiac Arrest Management\AED
Station 4: Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic Patient
EMT Random Skills Stations 5 and 6:
Station 5A: Upper Airway Adjuncts and Suction
Station 5B: Supplemental Oxygen Administration
Station 5C: Bleeding Control/Shock Management
Station 6A: Long Bone Injury Immobilization
Station 6B: Joint Injury Immobilization
Station 6C: Traction Splint Immobilization
The EMT student must successfully pass all six stations – mandatory stations #1 through #4
and one random skill from station #5 and #6. All sections of the random skills must be setup
and available for testing. The random skill station is conducted so the candidate is totally
unaware of the skill to be tested until he/she arrives at the testing station and blindly chooses a
card.
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 5
CFR – The following skills are identified as being the minimum number of performance items
that must be included in every CFR practical examination.
CFR Mandatory Skills:
Station 1: Patient Assessment Management - Trauma
Station 2: Patient Assessment Management - Medical
Station 3: Cardiac Arrest Management\AED
Station 4: Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic Patient
CFR Random Skills:
Station 5A: Upper Airway Adjuncts and Suction
Station 5B: Supplemental Oxygen Administration
Station 5C: Bleeding Control/Shock Management
The CFR student must successfully pass all 5 stations – mandatory stations #1 through #4
and one random skill from station #5. The mandatory and random skill stations consist of
both skill-based and scenario-based testing. The random skill station is conducted so the
candidate is totally unaware of the skill to be tested until he/she arrives at the testing station. All
random skills stations must be set up and available for testing.
These skills reflect performance items that are directly related to the loss of life or limb.
Therefore, the major focus of the examination is on airway, breathing and circulation.
The evaluation instruments provided in this User's Guide were developed to meet the following
criteria:
1. Each task on the evaluation instrument must be scored as a separate task.
2. All items critical to patient\limb outcome must be identified on the skill sheet.
3. Sequencing of tasks in some instances must be considered critical behavior.
4. Overall, competency must be achieved as defined in this manual.
“Challenge” Practical Skills Examinations
Challenge Practical Examinations are available at all levels of recertification. The challenge
exam is given at the beginning of the refresher course and must consist of all stations, which
would normally be tested for that level of certification. The same pass/fail criteria must be
followed for the challenge exam as any other PSE. Students must attend all practical exam
stations and are not allowed to “waive” any stations. If the student does not successfully
complete a station, then he/she must retest those stations at the Final Practical Examination
held at the end of the course. The “challenge” exam is considered to be a Final PSE.
TESTING\RETESTING POLICIES
EMT\CFR
EMT\CFR candidates, who fail two (2) or less skill stations on the practical exam, may be
retested on those skills. Three (3) or more failed stations constitutes a failure of the practical
examination and the candidate must complete a refresher course before being retested.
• Those failing two (2) stations or fewer are eligible to take two (2) retests. The
first retest must occur on the same day as the initial exam. Failure of a same-
day retest entitles the student to a second retest of those skills failed.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 6
• The second retest must be conducted on another date and the candidate must
be provided with documented remedial instruction before the second retest.
Failure of the second retest constitutes a failure of the examination and a
refresher course must be completed prior to any retesting.
• Retests must be administered by a different examiner.
A candidate is allowed to test a single station a maximum of three (3) times before he\she must
complete a refresher course.
When planning courses, a specific date and time for retesting must be planned and noted on the
course schedule. All stations of the practical examination must be passed before
admission to the NYS DOH Bureau of EMS written certification examination.
USING EXAMINATION GRADING SHEETS FOR TEACHING PURPOSES
Certified Instructor Coordinators (CICs) and sponsors are discouraged from distributing the final
practical exam skills evaluation sheets at the first class session. However, the skills
evaluation sheets must be distributed at least one week before the practical exam. The
EMT\CFR student manual will have “lab skills” practice sheets intended to focus teaching and
practice on the critical skill performances. These sheets tend to encourage more than the
absolute “minimum required” to pass. It is the intention that this will result in “over-teaching” and
“over-learning” of the essential skills.
The lab sheets are designed to reflect current “state of the art” performance from both a State
and National perspective. The practical examination must not hold any surprises for the
candidate!
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION COORDINATOR
Each examination must be conducted by a practical skills examination coordinator (PSEC). The
exam coordinator MUST be a New York State certified EMT or higher and MUST be a New
York State CLI or CIC. The exam coordinator should preferably be a person not associated with
the course being tested. The CIC of record for the course being tested cannot act as
practical skills examination coordinator. The exam coordinator assumes the primary
responsibility of ensuring the examination is conducted according to NYS standards, and with
the course sponsor, handles logistical considerations.
It is also the role of the exam coordinator to review grading sheets and to clarify all comments
and grades affixed by the examiners. The exam coordinator may not change the grades of
the examiners!
The exam coordinator is responsible for:
1. Working with the course sponsor to secure a suitable location for the exam.
2. Inviting and scheduling qualified examiners.
3. Obtaining all equipment and setting up the testing stations. The equipment must work!
4. Scheduling candidates for the exam.
5. Determining candidate flow through stations.
6. Orienting all examiners by reading the instructions to them and reviewing exam criteria.
7. Orienting all candidates by reading the instructions to them.
8. Observing all station examiners to ensure compliance to exam procedures.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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9. Collecting of all completed test sheets and collation of sheets into individual candidate
packets.
10. Reviewing all test sheets for accuracy in grading and documentation.
11. Debriefing all examiners to discuss problems, suggestions etc.
12. Manage any and all student complaints dealing with the practical exam.
13. Notification of NYS Bureau of EMS Central Office of any unresolved issues or complaints.
14. Posting exam grades or notifying students of results in a confidential and timely manner.
15. Clean up and securing of the exam site.
16. Completing the necessary practical examination forms.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 9
ORGANIZING THE
EXAMINATION
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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A. Examination Stations
The candidate will be tested individually in each station and will be expected to direct the
actions of any assistants who may be present in the station. The candidate should pass or fail
the examination based solely on his\her actions and decisions.
The following is a list of the stations and their established time limits. The maximum time is
determined by the number and difficulty of tasks to be completed.
CFR and EMT Mandatory Skills to be Tested Maximum Time Limit
Station 1: Patient Assessment Management - Trauma 10 min
Station 2: Patient Assessment Management - Medical 10 min
Station 3: Cardiac Arrest Management/AED 15 min
Station 4: Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic Patient 5 min
CFR and EMT Random Skills
Station 5A: Upper Airway Adjuncts and Suction 5 min
Station 5B: Supplemental Oxygen Administration 5 min
Station 5C: Bleeding Control/Shock Management 5 min
EMT Random Skills Stations
Station 6A: Long Bone Injury Immobilization 10 min
Station 6B: Joint Injury Immobilization 10 min
Station 6C: Traction Splint Immobilization 10 min
The random skill station must be conducted so that the candidate is completely unaware of the
skill to be tested until he\she enters the skill station and blindly chooses a card. A method of
accomplishing this is to list the random skills individually on separate cards. As the candidate
enters, he\she will draw a card. The skill that is listed on the card is the skill to be tested. All
random skills stations must be set up and available for testing.
B. Selection of a Test Facility
An exam site must be selected which allows for a candidate holding area and separate rooms or
areas for each station. It is important that the test stations are set up in such a way to prevent
candidates from observing the patient management problems prior to the time of their testing.
The individual stations should be within the same area to facilitate candidate flow. More than
one station per room is not permissible unless there is some provision for room dividers, which
allow for privacy and the inability to hear other candidates testing. The facility should have a
waiting area large enough to accommodate the number of candidates scheduled to attempt the
examination. The waiting area should have chairs or benches, access to restrooms and water
fountains as well as adequate storage space for examination supplies. Arrangements for
meals and other breaks for staff members and candidates is an additional consideration.
Equipment necessary for each station must be gathered and set up according to the station
instruction sheets in this guide. This should be done at least one hour before the arrival of the
candidates. The facility must have appropriate heating, cooling and other requirements as
found in the Classroom and Exam Location Standards manual.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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C. Selection of the Examination Staff
One of the major considerations in the selection of examination staff members is their
enthusiasm and interest in the examination. The examination procedure is demanding and
time-consuming. Therefore, without full cooperation from the staff members, it will be difficult to
conduct the repeated evaluations necessary for a large group of candidates.
Whenever possible, form a core group or regular examination personnel. This will help promote
teamwork and consistency among the examination staff. It has been our experience that the
more frequently a group works together, the more smoothly and effectively the examination
runs. Probably not all core examination personnel will be available for every examination
session. Therefore, there should be backup members who can participate from time to time as
relief personnel. These people should be fully aware of their responsibilities as skill station
examiners and asked periodically to relieve regular staff members.
Skill station examiners should be recruited from the local EMS community. You must only
consider individuals who are currently certified to perform the skill you wish them to evaluate.
Careful attention must be paid to avoid possible conflicts of interest, local political disputes or
any pre-existing conditions, which could bias the potential skill examiner towards a particular
individual or group of individuals. In no instance can a primary instructor serve as a skill
station examiner. Casual members of the instructor staff may be utilized, if necessary,
provided there is no evidence of bias and they do not evaluate any skills for which they served
as the primary instructor.
Every effort should be made to select examiners who are fair, consistent, objective, respectful,
reliable and impartial in conducting an evaluation. Examiners should be selected based on their
expertise in the skill to be evaluated. Examiners must understand that there is more than one
acceptable way to perform a skill and should not indicate a bias that precludes acceptable
methods. Examiners who are strongly opinionated and are looking only for performance of their
favorite techniques must be avoided. Examiners must be closely monitored to ensure they
evaluate using the testing criteria provided by the NYS Bureau of EMS rather than their own
agendas. Every effort should be made to use NYS Certified Lab Instructors as examiners,
provided they do not have a vested interest in the students to be tested. You should work to
obtain skill station examiners who are not acquainted with the candidate if possible. All
examiners should have experience working with CFRs\EMTs, teaching or formal evaluation of
pre-hospital care.
Examiners must not wear any sort of uniform or insignia, which identifies their EMS affiliations,
officer status, or level of training. Exam faculty should be dressed in “plain clothes”. Every
effort must be made to maintain an air of neutrality throughout the testing process.
D. Preparation of Examiners
Prior to the exam date, examiners must be provided with copies of the station instructions,
pertinent NYS treatment protocols, and the skills evaluation sheets they will use to
evaluate the students. They should be scheduled to be present at least one hour prior to the
exam. Eating, smoking, conversation or other activities, which may divert the examiner's
attention away from the candidate, must be avoided.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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E. Responsibilities of the Examination Staff
While it is not essential to have a physician medical director in attendance at all examination
sessions, it is highly desirable. The skills to be tested and the acceptable levels of performance
should always be determined with physician medical director input.
The examination coordinator is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, quality
control and validation of the examination process.
Skill station examiners observe candidate performance and complete skill evaluation
instruments. With input from programmed patients, they also make an initial evaluation of a
candidate's performance.
Assistants should be knowledgeable in the skill that they are assisting with. They are required
to perform as trained EMS professionals would in an actual field situation. They should follow
the direction of the CFR\EMT candidate and may not coach the candidate relative to the
performance of any skill.
The programmed patient's performance is also extremely important. The individuals selected
must be mature enough to comprehend the gravity of their role and have an attention span long
enough to complete the task. It is imperative that the programmed patients not change or
increase the difficulty of the skill(s) being tested because of inattention to detail or
misbehavior. The instructions for the particular station must be reviewed by the skill station
examiner with the person serving as the patient. A lack of uniformity in performance by a
programmed patient may cause a variance in the candidate's ability to identify and treat an
injury correctly. In addition, an informed programmed patient frequently is able to evaluate
certain aspects of a candidate's proficiency not readily observed by the examiner.
The victims should be instructed to wear old clothes which can be disposed of later or bring
clothing as directed in the station instructions (patient assessment stations requires that the
victim bring gym shorts or a swim suit). Tear-away or paper scrubs should be used if possible.
They should be advised of their station assignments and arrive at least one hour prior to the
exam to attend a briefing session and to be moulaged.
Attempts should be made to ensure that programmed patients are experienced CFRs\EMTs.
The advantages of this approach are that prior patient contact enables the programmed patient
to re-enact injuries more accurately and to evaluate appropriate or inappropriate
behavior\technique by the candidate.
Make-up personnel are responsible for realistically simulating wounds. This realism has a great
deal of influence on the candidate’s actions during the examination. Virtually any type of wound
can be realistically reproduced with make-up by using the right materials, common sense and a
little practice.
F. Equipment
Refer to the equipment list for supplies and equipment needed to prepare each of the
examination stations. All equipment must be clean, in good working condition and meet all
manufacture guidelines for maintenance and operation. Candidates must be provided with the
same type of equipment they have had access to during their training course. The intent of the
practical examination is not to assess their equipment problem solving abilities by providing
them with unfamiliar equipment. Candidates may bring equipment to the exam site provided
that:
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 14
1. Arrangements have been made with the CIC and exam coordinator, prior to the exam
date.
2. It has been used throughout the course.
3. It is available for all candidates being tested.
4. Examiners are thoroughly familiar with the equipment.
Candidates must be tested with equipment they are thoroughly familiar with. There must not
be any obsolete equipment at the station to trick the candidate.
Prior to starting the exam, each examiner must check their equipment to assure that it is in good
working condition. Under no circumstances shall equipment failures or shortages result in the
failure of a candidate.
Each examiner will need a watch and a supply of evaluation instruments to score each
candidate's performance.
G. Examination Safety
The safety of all people involved in the examination is of the utmost importance! The safety of
all testing personnel and candidates must not be compromised!
• All equipment must be in good working condition.
• All safety principles applying to oxygen and compressed gasses must be
followed, including cylinders, which have current hydrostatic test dates.
H. Scheduling of Candidates and Sample Schedule
Generally speaking, it takes about 2 hours to test 12 candidates in all 6 stations of the practical
examination. To minimize waiting time and test anxiety, candidates should be scheduled in-
groups of no more than12 to an exam period. Staggering the groups in this manner will
decrease the number of people “hanging around” and improve exam security. If large numbers
of students must be tested, it is highly recommended that double or even triple the number of
stations be set up to minimize any backlog.
Time limits have been established for each station to ensure that all candidates are given the
same time intervals and to maintain exam flow. At the end of the time limits, the candidate
evaluation must stop. Tasks not demonstrated are considered not performed.
PLEASE NOTE! The following is a sample schedule and is only intended to be a guide. Other
schedules may be utilized. Breaks and lunch should be factored into the exam schedule.
TIME ACTIVITY
07:00-07:30 ALL exam personnel arrive, unload equipment and set up stations.
07:30-08:00 Read instructions to examiners, patients and assistants, review test
criteria.
08:00-08:30 Candidates arrive, read instructions to them and explain exam flow.
08:30-10:30 Test first group of 12 (rotate through stations and observe testing).
10:30-11:00 Second group arrives, read instructions to them and explain exam flow.
11:00-13:00 Test second group.
13:00-13:30 Debrief all examiners and collect evaluation sheets.
13:30-14:00 Have examiners break down stations and pack equipment.
14:00-14:15 Collate evaluation sheets into individual packets.
14:15-14:45 Have examiners answer questions before they leave.
14:45-15:00 Affix exam grades to cover sheets.
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One effective method of facilitating flow through stations is to use “pass cards” and a station
matrix. This is only one of many methods of exam management and involves the following:
1. Assemble all candidates into one holding area.
2. Have a proctor in the holding area.
3. Have a proctor fill in the candidate names on the matrix sheet.
4. Have one 3x5 card for each station. The name of the station must be written on each
card; if double stations are needed, have 2 cards per station. Also, each card must
be appropriately numbered.
5. Assign candidates. One at a time, to each station. Give them the corresponding
station card and check their name off for the station completed on the matrix sheet.
6. When they complete the station, have them return to the proctor in the holding area
and return the card.
7. The proctor now knows that the station is open and assigns the next candidate(s).
I. Orienting the Skill Station Examiners as a Group
An important component in ensuring the examination operates smoothly is orienting the skill
station examiners to their role and responsibilities during the examination process. In order to
ensure the consistent performance of examiners throughout the day, the examiners should be
assembled as a group prior to the start of the examination and instructed in the procedures of
the examination according to a standardized orientation script.
J. Orienting the Candidates as a Group
An important aspect of the examination is the initial meeting and orientation of the candidates.
Once all candidates have been registered for the examination, they should be assembled as a
group and instructed in the procedure of the examination according to a standard orientation
script. During this period, the candidates should be given clear and complete directions as to
what is expected of them during the examination. However, special effort should be made to
put the candidates at ease. It is during this period that questions regarding the examinations
should be solicited and answered.
During this orientation session, candidates should also be instructed that they will be required to
leave the testing area upon completion of their examination after reporting back and speaking
with the exam coordinator. They are also not to discuss the examination with those candidates
waiting to be tested.
K. Orienting the Individual
Following the group orientation, candidates will wait for directions to report to a specific testing
area. Prior to entering these areas, the candidates should be greeted by the examiner and read
the "Instructions to the Candidate" as they appear at the end of each practical skills essay
provided by the examination coordinator. To assure consistency and fairness, these
instructions must be read to each candidate exactly as written.
Each candidate must then be questioned as to his\her understanding of the instructions and
provided with clarification as required.
Caution must be used to avoid lengthy questions or attempts by the candidate to obtain
answers to questions, which have no bearing on the examination. Examiners should be
courteous and professional in all conversations with candidates.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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EVALUATING THE
CANDIDATE
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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A. Examiner's Role
It is stressed again that the examiners must be objective and fair in their scoring. In smaller
communities, it may be extremely difficult to avoid the potential problem of EMT-Basic
instructors examining their own students. This problem may be avoided if sponsors can join
together to pool their resources and conduct the examinations.
B. Using the Skill Evaluation Instruments
The evaluation process consists of the examiner at each station observing the candidate's
performance and recording it on a standardized skill evaluation instrument. The examiner's role
becomes that of an observer and recorder of events. Skill evaluation sheets have been
developed for each skill station. Additionally, essays explaining each skill evaluation sheet have
been developed to assist the skill station examiner with the appropriate use of the form.
Except to start or stop a candidate's performance, to deliver necessary cues (e.g., "The patient's
blood pressure is 100/40; pulse is 120 and thready.") or to ask for clarification, the examiner
should not speak to the candidate during his\her performance. Similarly, the examiner should
not react, either positively or negatively, to anything the candidate says or does.
C. Programmed Patient's Role
The programmed patient is responsible for an accurate and consistent portrayal as the victim in
the scenario for the station. The programmed patient's comments concerning the candidate's
performance should be noted on the reverse side of the performance skill sheet. These
comments should be as brief and as objective as possible so they can be used in the final
scoring of the candidate's performance.
D. Determining a Final Grade
As mentioned earlier, the skill station examiners observe the candidate's performance and
record the observations on the skill evaluation sheet, which are graded according to the
pass\fail criteria.
In most cases, the pass\fail will be easily determined. If, however, the pass\fail determination is
not easily identified, the medical director, examination coordinator, CIC and the station examiner
should review the situation as a committee before coming to a final decision. The programmed
patient's comments, the examiner's comments and the documentation on the skill evaluation
instrument should all be considered when determining the final grade.
E. Reporting Examination Results to the Candidate
The examination coordinator is responsible for reporting the practical examination results to the
individual candidate. At no time should the skill station examiner, CIC or the Practical
Skills Examination Coordinator notify the candidate of practical examination results prior
to the completion of the entire practical examination. Notifying candidates of failing
performances prior to completion of the entire practical may have an adverse affect on their
performance in subsequent stations. The results of the practical examination should be
reported as a pass\fail of the skill station. Upon completion of all skill stations, the examination
coordinator will review the results with the candidate.
It is recommended that candidates also be notified in writing of their examination results, and as
with all documentation, kept in the training programs file.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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F. Programming the Patient
Patient programming involves two essential elements: acting and medical input regarding the
type of injury, type of pain, general reaction and what should and should not be accomplished
by the EMT/CFR candidate.
Once the programmed patient has received the medical information on the type of injury or
illness, he/she should concentrate on how he/she personally reacts to pain. The programmed
patient should work with the skills evaluator until he/she has fully developed the proper
reactions and responses. The skills evaluator should always use lay terms in programming the
patient, and the patient should always respond in lay terms to any questions from the candidate.
After the patient has been fully “programmed”, it is essential that he/she stay in character,
regardless of what goes on around him/her.
Input from the programmed patient with respect to the way candidates handle him/her is
important in the scoring process. This should be strongly emphasized to the programmed
patient.
G. Moulage
Make-up of simulated patients is important if it is expected that the candidates identify wounds
readily. Although theatrical moulage is ideal, commercially available moulage kits are
acceptable in alerting the candidate to the presence of injuries on the simulated patient.
Regardless of the quality of moulage, examiners must communicate with the candidate
concerning information on wound presence and appearance. Candidates will need to
distinguish between venous and arterial bleeding, paradoxical chest movement, obstruction of
the airway and any other injury that a programmed patient cannot realistically simulate. If
candidates complain about the quality of the moulage, the examination coordinator should
objectively re-examine the quality of the moulage. If the quality of the moulage is deemed to be
marginal and does not accurately represent the wound, the examination coordinator should
instruct the skill station examiner to alert candidates to the exact nature of the injury.
The skill station examiner should do this only after the candidate has assessed the area of the
wound as would be done in an actual field situation.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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General Instructions
to the Candidate
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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Sample Orientation Script
This standardized orientation script is an example of the type of script which should be read to
the candidates before they are sent to the examination stations. The script is normally read by
the examination coordinator, who should maintain a friendly and professional attitude.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE
(TO BE READ TO CANDIDATES)
Welcome to the EMT\CFR-Basic Practical Examination. My name is , I am
the practical skills examination coordinator for this practical skills examination. This practical
examination is the first part of the certification process to become a NYS Certified EMT\CFR.
After successfully completing this examination process and receiving subsequent certification
you will have proven to yourself and the medical community that you have achieved the level of
competency assuring that the public receives quality pre-hospital care. The following is a list of
the skills being evaluated and their established time limits. The maximum time is determined by
the number and difficulty of tasks to be completed.
CFR and EMT Mandatory Skills to be Tested Maximum Time Limit
Station 1: Patient Assessment Management - Trauma 10 min
Station 2: Patient Assessment Management - Medical 10 min
Station 3: Cardiac Arrest Management/AED 15 min
Station 4: Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic Patient 5 min
CFR and EMT Random Skills
Station 5A: Upper Airway Adjuncts and Suction 5 min
Station 5B: Supplemental Oxygen Administration 5 min
Station 5C: Bleeding Control/Shock Management 5 min
EMT Random Skills Stations
Station 6A: Long Bone Injury Immobilization 10 min
Station 6B: Joint Injury Immobilization 10 min
Station 6C: Traction Splint Immobilization 10 min
I will now read the roster, for attendance purposes, before we begin the orientation. Please
identify yourself when your name is called.
The skill station examiners utilized today were selected because of their expertise in the
particular skill station. Skill station examiners are observers and recorders of your expected
appropriate actions. They record your performance in relationship to the criteria listed on the
evaluation instrument.
The skill station examiner will call you into the station when it is prepared for testing. No
candidate, at any time, is permitted to remain in the testing area while waiting for his\her next
station. You must wait outside the testing area until the station is open and you are called. You
are not permitted to take any books, pamphlets, brochures or other study material into the
station. You are not permitted to make any copies or recordings of any station. The skill station
examiner will greet you as you enter the skill station.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 22
The examiner will ask your name. Please assist him\her in spelling your name so that your
results may be reported accurately. Each skill station examiner will then read aloud
"Instructions to the Candidate" exactly as printed on the instructions provided to them by the
examination coordinator. The information is read to each candidate in the same manner to
ensure consistency and fairness.
Please pay close attention. The instructions correspond to dispatch information you might
receive on a similar emergency call and give you valuable information on what will be expected
of you during the skill station. The skill station examiner will offer to repeat the instructions and
will ask you if the instructions were understood. Do not ask for additional information not
contained within the instructions. The skill station examiner is not permitted to give this
information.
Candidates sometimes complain that skill station examiners are abrupt, cold or appear
unfriendly. No one is here to add to the stress and anxiety you may already feel. It is important
to understand the examiners have been told they must avoid casual conversation with
candidates. This is necessary to assure fair and equal treatment of all candidates throughout
the examination. We have instructed the skill station examiners not to indicate to you in any
way a judgement regarding your performance in the skill station. Do not interpret any of the
examiners remarks as an indication of your overall performance. Please recognize the skill
station examiner’s attitude as professional and objective, and simply perform the skills to the
best of your ability.
Each skill station is supplied with several types of equipment for your selection. You will be
given time at the beginning of the skill station to survey and select the equipment necessary for
the appropriate management of the patient. Do not feel obligated to use all the equipment.
As you progress through the practical examination, each skill station examiner will be observing
and recording your performance. Do not let his\her documentation practices influence your
performance in the station. There is no correlation between the volume of his\her
documentation and the quality of your performance. You are strongly encouraged to explain
the things you are doing during your performance in the station. This helps insure that the
examiner is aware of each task being performed. You are expected to actually complete each
skill. Tasks not performed are considered to be not completed.
Each station has an overall time limit; the examiner will inform you of this during the reading of
the instructions. When you reach the time limit, the skill station examiner will inform you to stop
your performance. However, if you complete the station before the allotted time, inform the
examiner that you are finished. You may be asked to remove equipment from the patient before
leaving the skill station.
You are not permitted to discuss any specific details of any station with each other at any time.
Please be courteous to the candidates who are testing by keeping all excess noise to a
minimum. Be prompt in reporting to each station so that we may complete this examination
within a reasonable time period.
EMT\CFR Testing\Retest Policy
EMT\CFR candidates, who fail two (2) or less skill stations on the practical exam, may be
retested on those skills. Three (3) or more failed stations constitutes a failure of the practical
examination and the candidate must complete a refresher course prior to being retested.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 23
• Those failing two (2) stations or fewer are eligible to take two (2) retests. The first
retest must occur on the same day as the initial exam. Failure of a same-day retest
entitles the student to a second retest of those skills failed.
• The second retest must be conducted on another date and the candidate must be
provided with remedial instruction. Failure of the second retest constitutes a failure
of the examination and a refresher course must be completed before any retesting.
• Retests must be administered by a different examiner.
• When a station is failed, the candidate must retest the same station in its entirety.
A candidate is allowed to test a single skill a maximum of three (3) times before he\she must
complete a refresher course.
The results of the practical examination are reported as a pass\fail of the skill station. You will
receive a detailed critique of your performance upon completion of all practical skills stations.
Please remember that today's examination is a formal evaluation process and was not designed
to assist with teaching or learning. The purpose of this examination is to verify achievement of
the minimal competencies after the educational component has been completed.
If you feel you have a complaint concerning the practical skills examination, a formal complaint
procedure does exist. You must initiate any complaint with me (the Practical Skills Examination
Coordinator) today. Complaints will not be valid after today and will not be accepted if
they are issued AFTER you learn of your results or leave this site. You may file a
complaint for only two (2) reasons:
1. You feel you have been discriminated against. Any situation that can be
documented, in which you feel an unfair evaluation of your abilities occurred,
may be considered discriminatory.
2. There was an equipment problem or malfunction in your station.
If you feel either of these two things occurred, you must contact me immediately to initiate the
complaint process. You must submit the complaint in writing within 24 hours of my notification.
The examination coordinator, CIC and the medical director will review your concerns if we are
unable to resolve the issue by the conclusion of the practical skills examination. If your
complaint is not finalized to your satisfaction, you may appeal the decision to the NYS DOH
Bureau of EMS Area Office.
I am here today to assure that fair, objective, and impartial evaluations occur in accordance with
the guidelines set-forth by the NYS Department of Health Bureau of EMS. If you have any
concerns, notify me immediately to discuss your concerns. I will be visiting all skill stations
throughout the examination to verify adherence to these guidelines. Please remember that if
you do not voice your concerns or complaints today before you leave this site or before I inform
you of your results, your complaints will not be accepted.
The skill station examiner does not know or play a role in the establishment of a
candidates overall final pass\fail criteria, but is merely an observer and recorder of your
actions in the skill station. This is an examination experience, not a teaching or learning
experience.
Does anyone have any questions concerning the practical examination at this time?
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 24
Points to Remember
1. Follow instructions from the staff.
2. During the examination, move only to areas directed by the staff.
3. Give your name as you arrive at each station.
4. Recording devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), pagers, cellular telephones or
other personal communication devices are not allowed in the station.
5. Listen carefully as the testing scenario is explained at each station.
6. Ask questions if the instructions are not clear.
7. During the examination, do not talk about the examination with anyone other than the
skill station examiner, programmed patient and, when applicable, to the EMT\CFR
assistant.
8. Be aware of the time limit, but do not sacrifice quality in performance for speed.
9. Equipment will be provided. Select and use only equipment, which is necessary to care
for your patient adequately.
It is mandatory that these instructions be read aloud or given in writing to all candidates. It is
recommended, but not mandated that you have the candidate sign the below that they fully
understand the instructions. A copy of this signature should be placed in the student’s file at the
Course Sponsorship.
I have read and fully understand the General
(print candidate’s name)
Instructions for the Final Practical Skills Examination for which I am about to take. I also
understand that if I have any questions about these instructions, that I must ask the Practical
Skills Examination Coordinator before the start of the Final Practical Skills Examination.
/ /
Candidate’s Signature Date
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 25
Instructions to the
Examiners
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 26
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 27
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION ORIENTATION TO SKILL STATION EXAMINERS
Good (morning, afternoon, evening). My name is ________. I am the _________ for this
practical examination. I would like to thank you for serving as a skill station examiner. All data
relative to a candidate's performance is based upon your objective recordings and
observations. You were chosen as an examiner today because of your expertise in the
assigned station and ability to fairly and accurately observe and document various
performances. All performances must be reported with the greatest degree of objectivity
possible. The skill evaluation instruments you are using today have been designed to assist
you in objectively evaluating the candidates.
Let me emphasize that this examination is a formal verification procedure not designed for
teaching, coaching or remedial training. Therefore, you are not permitted to give any indication
whatsoever of satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance to any candidate at any time. You
must not discuss any specific performance with anyone other than myself. If you are unsure of
scoring a particular performance, notify me as soon as possible. Do not sign or complete any
evaluation form if you have any questions at all, until we have discussed the performance.
You should act in a professional manner at all times, paying particular attention to the manner in
which you address candidates. You must be consistent, fair and respectful in carrying out your
duties as a formal examiner. The safest approach is to limit your dialogue to examination-
related material only. Be careful of the manner in which you address candidates, as many will
interpret your remarks as some indication of their performance. You should develop a dialogue
with candidates throughout their performance and should ask questions for clarification
purposes. These questions should not be leading but should be asked when additional
clarification is required. For example, if a candidate states "I would now apply high flow
oxygen," your appropriate response might be; "Please explain how you would do that." Do not
ask for additional information beyond the scope of the skill, such as having the candidate
explain the FiO
2
delivered by the device, contraindications to the use of the device or other
knowledge-type information. You may also have to stimulate a candidate to perform some
action. If a candidate states "I would do a quick assessment of the legs," you must respond by
asking the candidate to actually perform the assessment as he\she would in a field situation.
You must pay 100% attention to the candidate’s actions. Eating, smoking, or conversation with
other people distracts you from being able to observe the candidate’s actions. Be aware of your
own fatigue. If necessary, take a break after informing me. You must carefully analyze each
performance and award points based on whether it accomplished the objectives rather
than looking for your personal techniques.
We suggest you introduce yourself to each candidate as you call them into the station. No
candidate, at any time, is permitted to remain in the testing area while waiting for his\her next
station. Take a few moments to clearly print the candidate's first and last name on the
evaluation form as well as your name, the date and scenario number. We suggest you use a
black ballpoint pen and follow good medical-legal documentation practices when completing
these forms. You should read aloud the "Instructions to the Candidate" exactly as printed at the
end of your essays. You may not add or detract from these instructions but may repeat any
portion as requested. Give the candidate time to ask any questions and inform them of all time
limits. You are not allowed to answer questions about treatment or instruct candidates in any
way. The instructions must be read to each candidate in the same manner to assure
consistency and fairness. Give the candidate time to inspect the equipment if necessary and
explain any specific design features of the equipment if you are asked. If the candidate brings
his\her own equipment, be sure it has been authorized by the exam coordinator and CIC and
that you are familiar with its use before evaluating the candidate. Be sure the test area is kept
private and there are no unauthorized observers.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 28
When the candidate is ready, read the scenario\patient situation provided in your station
instructions. This usually orients them to the mechanism of injury or otherwise prepares the
candidate.
As the candidate begins the performance, document the time started on the evaluation
instrument. As the candidate progresses through the station, fill out the evaluation form in the
following manner:
a. Place the point or points awarded in the appropriate space at the time each item
is completed.
b. Only whole points may be awarded for those steps performed in an acceptable
manner. You are not permitted to award fractions of a point.
c. Place a zero in the "Points Awarded" column for any step, which was not
completed or was performed in an unacceptable manner (inappropriate or non-
sequential resulting in excessive and detrimental delay).
All evaluation instruments must be filled out in a manner, which prohibits the candidate from
directly observing the points you award or the comments you may note. Do not become
distracted by searching for the specific statements on the evaluation instrument when you
should be observing the candidate's performance. Ideally you should be familiar with these
instruments, but if not, simply turn the instrument over and concisely record the entire
performance on the backside. After the candidate finishes the performance, complete the front
side of the evaluation instrument in accordance with the documented performance. Please
remember, the most accurate method of fairly evaluating any candidate is one in which your
attention is devoted entirely to the performance of the candidate.
You must observe and enforce all time limits for the stations. When the time limit has been
reached, stop the candidate's performance promptly and direct the candidate to move on to
his\her next station, making sure that no candidate takes any notes or recordings of the station.
If the candidate is in the middle of a step when the time limit is reached, permit him\her to
complete only that step. The candidate should not be allowed to start another step. Don't be a
"stopwatch watcher" and try not to add one or several additional minutes to the station. You
should then place a zero in the "Points Awarded" column for any steps, which were not
completed within the allotted time.
After all points have been awarded, you must total them and enter the total in the appropriate
space on the evaluation form. Next, review all "Critical Criteria" statements printed on the
evaluation form and check any that apply to the performance you just observed. You must
factually document, on the reverse side of the evaluation form, your rationale for not
checking any "Critical Criteria" statement. Do not be vague or contradictory and do not
simply rewrite the statement, which you have checked. Factually document the candidate's
actions which caused you to check any of these statements. You may also wish to document,
in the same way, each step of the skill in which zero points were awarded. Be sure to sign the
evaluation instrument in the appropriate space, document the exact time the candidate finished
the station, and then prepare the station for the next candidate.
You are responsible for the security of all evaluation material throughout the day and must
return all material to me before you leave this examination site. If you need to take a break,
please inform me and secure all evaluation instruments, which were issued to you.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 29
After you receive your materials for today's examination, you may proceed to your station and
check the props, equipment and moulage to assure the skill station is prepared for the first
candidate. You should orient any victims and assistants over their roles in today's examination.
The victims should act as a similar patient would in a field situation and the assistants should
perform as trained EMS professionals. Please emphasize the importance of their consistent
and professional performance throughout today's examination. You must read through the
essay and instructions, brief your assistants and simulated patients and review the evaluation
instrument before evaluating any candidate. You should have been provided with copies of the
scoring forms and station materials before today so that you could prepare for your role.
Please wait until I have inspected your station and answered any of your specific questions
before evaluating your first candidate.
Are there any questions?
It is mandatory that these instructions be read aloud or given in writing to all examiners. It is
recommended, but not mandated that you have the examiner sign below that they fully
understand the instructions. A copy of this signature should be placed in the PSE file at the
Course Sponsorship.
I have read and fully understand the
(print examiner name)
Instructions to the examiner for the Final Practical Skills Examination for which I am about to
administer. I also understand that if I have any questions about these instructions, that I must
ask the Practical Skills Examination Coordinator before the start of the Final Practical Skills.
Examination.
/ /
Examiner’s Signature Date
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 30
EQUIPMENT LIST
All equipment at the skills stations must be equipment which the candidates have used during
the course and/or are familiar with.
Patient Assessment/Management (Trauma and Medical)
Examination gloves
Pen Light
Blood pressure cuff
Stethoscope**
Moulage kit (if possible)
Tear-away or paper scrubs (if possible)
Cardiac Arrest Management/AED
Examination gloves
CPR mannequin
Automated external defibrillator
Bag-valve-mask device
Pocket mask or demand valve
Oropharyngeal airway
Oxygen tank, regulator and flowmeter
Oxygen connecting tubing
Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic Patient With Pulse
Examination gloves
Oropharyngeal airways (various sizes)
Bag-Valve-Mask device
Oxygen tank, regulator and flowmeter
Oxygen connecting tubing
Ventilation mannequin (capable of recording by light or graph is preferred)
Random Skill Stations (Optional Skills for CFR)
Examination gloves
Eye goggles
Ventilation mannequin (capable of recording by light or graph is preferred)
Oxygen tank, regulator and flowmeter
Oxygen connecting tubing
Nasal Cannula
Non-rebreather mask with reservoir
Pocket mask with one-way valve and oxygen inlet
Oropharyngeal airways (various sizes)
Nasopharyngeal airways (various sizes)
Airway lubricant
Tongue blades
Intubation mannequin (must be anatomically accurate)
Traction splint and associated equipment**
Sling and swathe**
Rigid splinting material (various sizes and must include short, medium & long boards) **
Field dressings and bandages
** Not required for CFR PSE
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 31
Individual Station
Instructions
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 32
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 33
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
PATIENT ASSESSMENT\MANAGEMENT
TRAUMA
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to integrate patient assessment and
intervention skills on a victim with multi-systems trauma. Since this is a scenario-based station,
it will require some dialogue between the examiner and the candidate. The candidate will be
required to physically accomplish all assessment steps listed on the evaluation instrument
including obtaining vital signs. However, all interventions should be spoken instead of
physically accomplished. Because of the limitations of moulage, you must establish a dialogue
with the candidate throughout this station. If a candidate quickly inspects, assesses or palpates
the patient in a manner in which you are uncertain of the areas or functions being assessed, you
must immediately ask the candidate to explain his\her actions. For example, if the candidate
stares at the patient's face, you must ask what he\she is assessing to precisely determine if
he\she was checking the eyes, facial injuries or skin color. Any information pertaining to sight,
sound, touch, smell, or an injury that cannot be realistically moulaged but would be immediately
evident in a real patient encounter, must be supplied by the examiner as soon as the candidate
exposes or assesses that area of the patient.
This skill station requires the presence of a simulated trauma victim. The victim should be
briefed on his\her role in this station as well as how to respond throughout the assessment by
the candidate. Additionally, the victim should have read thoroughly the "Instructions to the
Simulated Trauma Victim." Trauma moulage should be used as appropriate. Moulage may
range from commercially prepared moulage kits to theatrical moulage. Excessive\dramatic use
of moulage must not interfere with the candidate's ability to expose the victim for assessment.
The victim will present with a minimum of an airway, breathing, circulatory problem and one
associated injury or wound. The mechanism and location of the injury may vary, as long as the
guidelines listed above are followed. It is essential that once a scenario is established, it
remains the same for all candidates being tested. This will ensure consistency of the
examination process for all candidates.
Candidates are required to conduct a scene size-up just as they would in a field setting. When
asked about the safety of the scene, the examiner must indicate the scene is safe to enter. If
the candidate does not assess the safety of the scene before beginning patient care, no points
should be awarded for the task "Determines the scene is safe".
An item of some discussion is where to place vital signs within a pre-hospital patient
assessment. Obtaining precise agreement among various EMT texts and programs is virtually
impossible. Vital signs have been placed in the focused history and physical examination. This
should not be construed as the only place that vital signs may be accomplished. It is merely the
earliest point in a pre-hospital assessment that they may be accomplished.
Once the scene size-up and initial assessment are completed, the exact location of vital signs
within a pre-hospital assessment is dependent upon the patient's condition. As an examiner,
you should award one point for vital signs as long as they are accomplished according to the
patient's condition.
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 34
The scenario format of a multi-trauma assessment\management testing station requires the
examiner to provide the candidate with essential information throughout the examination
process. Since this station uses a simulated patient, the examiner must supply all information
pertaining to sight, sound, smell or touch that can not be adequately portrayed with the use of
moulage. This information should be given to the candidate when the area of the patient is
exposed or assessed.
The candidate is responsible for obtaining the patient’s vital signs. The examiner must provide
the candidate with the patient's pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure when asked after
the candidate has demonstrated his\her ability to obtain them. The examiner must give vital
signs that are appropriate for the patient and the treatment that has been rendered. In other
words, if a candidate has accomplished correct treatment for hypoperfusion, do not offer vital
signs that deteriorate the patient's condition. This may cause the candidate to assume he\she
has rendered inadequate or inappropriate care. Likewise, if a candidate fails to accomplish
appropriate treatment for hypoperfusion, do not offer vital signs that improve the patient's
condition. This may cause the candidate to assume he\she has provided adequate care. The
examiner should not offer information that overly improves or deteriorates a patient. Overly
improving a patient invites the candidate to discontinue treatment and may lead to the candidate
failing the examination. Overly deteriorating the patient may lead to the candidate initiating
C.P.R. This station was not designed to test C.P.R.
Each candidate is required to complete a detailed physical examination of the patient. The
candidate choosing to transport the victim immediately after the initial assessment must be
instructed to continue the detailed physical examination en route to the hospital. You should be
aware that the candidate might accomplish portions of the detailed physical examination during
the rapid trauma assessment. For example, the candidate must inspect the neck prior to
placement of a cervical collar. If the candidate fails to assess a body area prior to covering the
area with a patient care device, no points should be awarded for the task. However, if a
candidate removes the device, assesses the area and replaces the device without
compromising patient care, full points should be awarded for the specific task.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 35
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE SIMULATED TRAUMA VICTIM
The following should be reviewed by the skill station examiner with the person serving as the
victim.
Note: In order to ensure a fair examination environment for each candidate, the simulated
victim should be an adult of average height and weight. The use of children is discouraged in
this station.
When serving as a victim for the scenario today, make every attempt to be consistent with every
candidate in presenting the appropriate symptoms. The level of respiratory distress acted out
by you and the degree of presentation of pain at injury sites must be consistent for all
candidates. As the candidate progresses with the examination be aware of any period in which
he\she touches a simulated injured area. If the scenario indicates that you are to respond with
deep painful stimuli and the candidate lightly touches the area, do not respond. Only respond
according to the situation as you feel a real victim would in a multiple trauma situation. Do not
give the candidate any clues while you are acting as a victim. For example, it is inappropriate to
moan that your wrist hurts after you become aware that the candidate has not found that injury.
Please remember what areas have been assessed and treated because we may need to
discuss the candidate's performance after he\she leaves the room.
The skill station examiner may use information provided by the trained and well-coached victim
as data in determining the awarding of points for specific steps on the evaluation instrument.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
PATIENT ASSESSMENT\MANAGEMENT
TRAUMA
This station is designed to test your ability to perform a patient assessment of a victim of multi-
systems trauma and "voice" treat all conditions and injuries discovered. You must conduct your
assessment as you would in the field including communicating with your patient. You may
remove the patient's clothing down to shorts or swimsuit if you feel it is necessary. As you
conduct your assessment, you should verbalize everything you are assessing. Clinical
information not obtainable by visual or physical inspection will be given to you after you
demonstrate how you would normally gain that information. You may assume that you have two
EMTs working with you and that they are correctly carrying out the verbal treatments you
indicate. You have (15) fifteen minutes to complete this skill station. Do you have any
questions?
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 36
TRAUMA SCENARIOS
The following is an example of an acceptable scenario for this station. It is not intended to be
the only possible scenario for this station. Variations of the scenario are possible and should be
used to reduce the possibility of future classes knowing the scenario before entering the station.
If the scenario is changed, the following guidelines must be used.
1. A clearly defined mechanism of injury must be included. The mechanism of
injury must indicate the need for the candidate to perform a rapid trauma
assessment.
2. There must be a minimum of an airway, breathing and circulatory problem.
3. There must be an additional associated soft tissue or musculoskeletal injury.
4. Vital signs must be given for the initial check and one re-check.
5. All additional scenarios must be documented on the Scenario Form provided by
the BEMS prior to the start of the PSE. This form must be kept on file with the
PSE Coordinator’s files at the Course Sponsor. A notation must be made on
the candidates PSE testing sheet as to which number scenario was used.
*************************************************************************************************************
*************************************************************************************************************
TRAUMA SITUATION #1 - PATIENT ASSESSMENT\MANAGEMENT
Mechanism of Injury. You are called to the scene of a motor vehicle crash where you
find a victim who was thrown from the car. You find severe
damage to the front end of the car. The victim is found lying in a
field 30 feet from the upright car.
Injuries . . . . . . . . . . The patient will present with the following injuries. All injuries will
be moulaged. Each examiner should program the patient to
respond appropriately throughout the assessment and assure the
victim has read the "Instructions to Simulated Trauma Victim" that
have been provided.
1. unresponsive
2. left side flail chest
3. decreased breath sounds, left side
4. cool, clammy skin; no distal pulses
5. distended abdomen
6. pupils equal
7. neck veins flat
8. pelvis stable
9. open injury of the left femur with capillary bleeding
Vital Signs. . . . . . . . 1. Initial Vital Signs - B/P 72/60, P 140, RR 28
2. Upon recheck - if appropriate treatment: B/P 86/74, P 120, RR 22
3. Upon recheck - of inappropriate treatment: B/P 64/48, P 150, RR 44
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 37
Trauma Scenario Form
Mechanism of
Injury:
Injuries:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Vital Signs: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Additional
Information
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 38
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
PATIENT ASSESSMENT\MANAGEMENT
MEDICAL
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to use appropriate questioning techniques
to assess a patient with a chief complaint of a medical nature and to verbalize appropriate
interventions based on the assessment findings. This is a scenario-based station and will
require extensive dialogue between the examiner and the candidate. A simulated medical
patient will answer the questions asked by the candidate based on the scenario being utilized.
The candidate will be required to physically accomplish all assessment steps listed on the skill
sheet including obtaining vital signs. However, all interventions should be spoken instead of
physically accomplished. You must establish a dialogue with the candidate throughout this
station. Any information pertaining to sight, sound, touch, or smell that cannot be seen but
would be evident immediately in a real patient encounter, must be supplied by the examiner.
The scenario should provide enough information to enable the candidate to form a general
impression of the patient's condition. Additionally, the patient in the scenario must be awake and
able to talk. The medical condition of the patient will vary depending upon the scenario utilized
in the station. It is essential that once a scenario is established for a specific test site, it remains
the same for all candidates being tested at that site. This will ensure consistency of the
examination process for all candidates.
This skill station requires the presence of a simulated medical patient. You, or the simulated
medical patient, should not alter the patient information provided in the scenario and should
provide only the information that is specifically asked for by the candidate. Information
pertaining to vital signs should not be provided until the candidate actually performs the steps
necessary to gain such information. In order to verify that the simulated patient is familiar with
his\her role during the examination, you should ensure he\she reads the "Instructions to the
Simulated Medical Patient" provided at the end of this essay. You should also role-play the
selected scenario with him\her before the first candidate entering the skill station.
The scene size-up should be accomplished once the candidate enters the testing station. Brief
questions such as "Is the scene safe?" should be asked by the candidate. When the candidate
attempts to determine the nature of the illness, you should respond based on the scenario being
utilized, i.e.: Respiratory, Cardiac, Altered Mental Status, Poisoning\Overdose, Environmental
Emergency, Obstetrics, or Behavioral.
For the purpose of this station, there should be only one patient, no additional help is available
and cervical spine stabilization is not indicated. The candidate must verbalize the general
impression of the patient after hearing the scenario. The remainder of the possible points
relative to the initial assessment and the focused history and physical examination are listed in
the individual scenarios.
The point for "Interventions" should be awarded based on the candidate’s ability to verbalize
appropriate treatment for the medical emergency described in the scenario. For example, if the
patient is complaining of breathing difficulty, the point for interventions should be awarded if the
candidate verbalizes administration of oxygen to the patient.
When assessing the signs and symptoms of the patient, the candidate must gather the
appropriate information by asking the questions listed on the skill sheet. The number of
questions required to be asked differs based on the scenario and the chief complaint. The point
for "Signs and Symptoms (Assess history of present illness)" is awarded based on the
following criteria:
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 39
Respiratory 5 or more questions asked, award one point.
4 or less questions asked, award no point.
Cardiac 5 or more questions asked, award one point.
4 or less questions asked, award no point.
Altered Mental Status 6 or more questions asked, award one point.
5 or less questions asked, award no point.
Allergic Reaction 4 or more questions asked, award one point.
3 or less questions asked, award no point.
Poisoning\Overdose 5 or more questions asked, award one point.
4 or less questions asked, award no point.
Environmental Emergency 4 or more questions asked, award one point.
3 or less questions asked, award no point.
Obstetrics 5 or more questions asked, award one point.
4 or less questions asked, award no point.
Behavioral 4 or more questions asked, award one point.
3 or less questions asked, award no point.
Each candidate is required to complete a full patient assessment. The candidate choosing to
transport the victim immediately after the initial assessment must be instructed to continue the
focused history and physical examination and ongoing assessment en route to the hospital.
NOTE: The preferred method to evaluate a candidate is to write the exact sequence the
candidate follows during the station as it is performed. You may then use this documentation to
fill out the evaluation instrument after the candidate completes the station. This documentation
may then be used to validate the score on the evaluation instrument if questions should arise
later.
NOTE: The number of the scenario, which the candidate is evaluated on, must be placed on
the candidates PSE testing sheet.
NOTE: All additional scenarios must be documented on the Scenario Form provided by the
BEMS prior to the start of the PSE. This form must be kept on file with the PSE Coordinator’s
files at the Course Sponsor. A notation must be made on the candidates PSE testing sheet
as to which number scenario was used.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 40
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE SIMULATED MEDICAL PATIENT
The following should be reviewed by the skill station examiner with the person serving as
patient.
Note: In order to ensure a fair examination environment for each candidate, the simulated
victim should be of average height and weight for the scenario being used. For example, the
use of very small children is discouraged in this station unless the scenario specifically indicates
a pediatric patient.
The examination today will require you to role-play a patient experiencing an acute medical
emergency. You should act as an actual patient would in the real situation. You must answer
the candidate's questions using only the information contained in the scenario provided to you
by the examiner for this station. Do not overact or add signs or symptoms to the scenario
provided. It is important that you be very familiar with the scenario and the required patient
responses. When serving as a patient for the scenario today make every attempt to be
consistent with every candidate in presenting the appropriate symptoms. The level of
responsiveness, anxiety, respiratory distress, etc., acted out by you must be consistent for all
candidates. Do not give the candidate any clues while you are acting as a victim. For example,
it is inappropriate to say "I am allergic to penicillin" after you become aware that the candidate
has not remembered to ask that question during the SAMPLE history. Please remember what
questions you have answered and what areas have been assessed because we may need to
discuss the candidate's performance after he/she leaves the room.
The skill station examiner may use information provided by the trained and well-coached victim
as data in determining the awarding of points for specific steps in the evaluation instrument.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
PATIENT ASSESSMENT\MANAGEMENT
MEDICAL
This station is designed to test your ability to perform a patient assessment of a patient with a
chief complaint of a medical nature and “voice” treat all conditions discovered. You must
conduct your assessment as you would in the field inc
luding communicating with your patient.
You may remove the patient’s clothing down to shorts or swimsuit if you feel it is necessary. As
you conduct your assessment, you should state everything you are assessing. Clinical
information not obtainable by v
isual or physical inspection will be given to you after you
demonstrate how you would normally gain that information. You may assume that you have two
EMTs working with you and that they are correctly carrying out the verbal treatments
you
indicate. You have (10) ten minutes to complete this skill station. Do you have any questions?
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 41
RESPIRATORY
You arrive at a home and find an elderly male patient who is receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula.
The patient is 65 years old and appears overweight. He is sitting in a chair in a "tripod" position. You
see rapid respirations and there is cyanosis around the lips, fingers and capillary beds.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint: "I'm having a hard time breathing and I need to go to the hospital."
Apparent Life Threats: Respiratory compromise.
Level of Responsiveness: Patient is only able to speak in short sentences interrupted by coughing.
Airway: Patent.
Breathing: 28 and deep, through pursed lips.
Circulation: No bleeding, pulse rate 120 and strong. There is cyanosis around the lips,
fingers and capillary beds.
Transport Decision: Immediate transport.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Onset: "I've had emphysema for the past ten years, but my breathing has been
getting worse the past couple of days."
Provokes: "Whenever I go up or down steps, it gets really bad."
Quality: "I don't have any pain, I'm just worried because it is so hard to breath. I
can't seem to catch my breath."
Radiate: "I don't have any pain."
Severity: "I can't stop coughing. I think I'm dying."
Time: "I woke up about three hours ago. I haven't been able to breath right
since then."
Interventions: "I turned up the flow of my oxygen about an hour ago."
Allergies: Penicillin and bee stings.
Medications: Oxygen and a hand held inhaler.
Past Medical History: Treated for emphysema for the past 10 years.
Last Meal: "I ate breakfast this morning."
Events Leading to Illness: "I got worse a couple of days ago. The day it got really cold and
rained all day. Today, I've just felt bad since I got out of bed."
Focused physical
examination: Auscultate breath sounds.
Vitals: RR 28, P 120, BP 140/88.
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 42
RESPIRATORY SCENARIO FORM
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint:
Apparent Life Threats:
Level of Responsiveness:
Airway:
Breathing:
Circulation:
Transport Decision:
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Onset:
Provokes:
Quality:
Radiate:
Severity:
Time:
Interventions:
Signs/Symptoms:
Allergies:
Medications:
Past Pertinent History:
Last oral intake:
Event leading up to:
Focused physical
examination:
Vitals: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 43
CARDIAC
You arrive on the scene where a 57-year-old man is complaining of chest pain. He is pale and sweaty.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint: "My chest really hurts. I have angina but this pain is worse than any I have
ever felt before."
Apparent Life Threats: Cardiac compromise.
sLevel of Responsiveness: Awake and alert.
Airway: Patent.
Breathing: 24 and shallow.
Circulation: No bleeding, pulse 124 and weak, skin cool and clammy.
Transport Decision: Immediate.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Onset: "The pain woke me up from my afternoon nap."
Provokes: "It hurts really bad and nothing I do makes the pain go away."
Quality: "It started out like indigestion but has gotten a lot worse. It feels like a big
weight is pressing against my chest. It makes it hard to breath."
Radiate: "My shoulders and jaws started hurting about ten minutes before you got
here, but the worst pain is in the middle of my chest. That's why I called
you."
Severity: "This is the worst pain I have ever felt. I can't stand it."
Time: "I've had this pain for about an hour, but it seems like days."
Interventions: "I took my nitroglycerin about 15 minutes ago but it didn't make any
difference. Nitro always worked before. Am I having a heart attack?"
Allergies: None.
Medications: Nitroglycerin.
Past Medical History: Diagnosed with angina two years ago.
Last Meal: "I had soup and a sandwich about three hours ago."
Events Leading to Illness: "I was just sleeping when the pain woke me up."
Focused physical
examination: Assesses baseline vital signs.
Vitals: R 24, P 124, BP 144/92.
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 44
CARDIAC SCENARIO FORM
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint:
Apparent Life Threats:
Level of Responsiveness:
Airway:
Breathing:
Circulation:
Transport Decision:
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Onset:
Provokes:
Quality:
Radiate:
Severity:
Time:
Interventions:
Signs/Symptoms:
Allergies:
Medications:
Past Pertinent History:
Last oral intake:
Event leading up to:
Focused physical
examination:
Vitals: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 45
ALTERED MENTAL STATUS
When you arrive on the scene you are met by a 37 year old male who says his wife is a diabetic and isn't
acting normal.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint: "My wife just isn't acting right. I can't get her to stay awake. She only opens
her eyes then goes right back to sleep."
Apparent Life Threat: Depressed central nervous system, respiratory compromise.
Level of Responsiveness: Opens eyes in response to being shaken.
Airway: Patent.
Breathing: 14 and shallow.
Circulation: 120 and weak.
Transport Decision: Immediate.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Description of Episode: "My wife took her insulin this morning like any other morning but she has had
the flu and has been vomiting."
Onset: "It happened so quickly. She was just talking to me and then she just went
to sleep. I haven't really been able to wake her up since."
Duration: "She' been this way for about 15 minutes now. I called you right away. I
was really scared."
Associated symptoms: "The only thing that I can think of is that she was vomiting last night and this
morning."
Evidence of trauma: "She didn't fall. She was just sitting on the couch and fell asleep. I haven't
tried to move her."
Interventions: I haven't done anything but call you guys. I know she took her insulin this
morning."
Seizures: None.
Fever: Low grade fever.
Allergies: Penicillin.
Medications: Insulin.
Past Medical History: Insulin dependent diabetic since 21 years of age.
Last Meal: "My wife ate breakfast this morning."
Events Leading to Illness: "My wife has had the flu and been vomiting for the past 24 hours."
Focused physical
examination: Completes a rapid assessment to rule out trauma.
Vitals: RR 14, P 120, BP 110/72.
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 46
ALTERED MENTAL STATUS SCENARIO FORM
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint:
Apparent Life Threats:
Level of Responsiveness:
Airway:
Breathing:
Circulation:
Transport Decision:
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Description of episode:
Onset:
Duration:
Associated Symptoms:
Evidence of Trauma:
Interventions:
Seizures or Fever:
Signs/Symptoms:
Allergies:
Medications:
Past Pertinent History:
Last oral intake:
Event leading up to:
Focused physical
examination:
Vitals: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 47
ALLERGIC REACTION
You arrive to find a 37 year old male who reports eating cookies he purchased at a bake sale. He has
audible wheezing, and is scratching red, blotchy areas on his abdomen, chest and arms.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint: "I'm having an allergic reaction to those cookies I ate."
Apparent Life Threats: Respiratory and circulatory compromise.
Level of Responsiveness: Awake, very anxious and restless.
Airway: Patent.
Breathing: 26, wheezing and deep.
Circulation: No bleeding, pulse 120 and weak, cold and clammy skin.
Transport Decision: Immediate transport.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
History of allergies: "Yes. I'm allergic to peanuts."
When ingested: "I ate cookies about 20 minutes ago and began itching all over about five
minutes later."
How much ingested: "I only ate two cookies"
Effects: "I'm having trouble breathing and I feel lightheaded and dizzy."
Progression: "My wheezing is worse. Now I'm sweating really bad."
Interventions: "I have my epi-pen upstairs but I'm afraid to stick myself."
Allergies: Peanuts and penicillin.
Medications: None.
Past Medical History: "I had to spend two days in the hospital the last time this happened."
Last Meal: "The last thing I ate were those cookies."
Events Leading to Illness: "None, except I ate those cookies."
Focused physical
examination: Not indicated (award point).
Vitals: RR 26, P 120, BP 90/60.
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 48
ALLERGIC REACTION SCENARIO FORM
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint:
Apparent Life Threats:
Level of Responsiveness:
Airway:
Breathing:
Circulation:
Transport Decision:
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
History of Allergies:
What Exposed to:
How were you Exposed:
Effects:
Progression:
Interventions:
Signs/Symptoms:
Allergies:
Medications:
Past Pertinent History:
Last oral intake:
Event leading up to:
Focused physical
examination:
Vitals: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 49
POISONING/OVERDOSE
You arrive on the scene where a 3-year-old girl is sitting on her mother's lap. The child appears very
sleepy and doesn't look at you as you approach.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint: "I think my baby has swallowed some of my sleeping pills. Please don't let
her die!"
Apparent Life Threats: Depressed central nervous system and respiratory compromise.
Level of Responsiveness: Responds slowly to verbal commands.
Airway: Patent.
Breathing: 18 and deep.
Circulation: 120 and strong.
Transport Decision: Immediate.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Substance: "My baby took my sleeping pills. I don't know what kind they are. They just
help me sleep at night."
When ingested: "I think she must have got them about an hour ago when I was in the
shower. Her older sister was supposed to be watching her."
How much ingested: "My prescription was almost empty. There couldn't have been more than
four or five pills left. Now they're all gone. Please do something."
Effects: "She just isn't acting like herself. She's usually running around and getting
into everything."
Progressions: "She just seems to get sleepier and sleepier by the minute."
Interventions: "I didn't know what to do, so I just called you. Can't you do something for
her."
Allergies: None.
Medications: None.
Past Medical History: None.
Last Meal: "She ate breakfast this morning."
Events Leading to Illness: "She just swallowed the pills."
Focused physical
examination: Completes a rapid trauma assessment to rule out trauma.
Vitals: RR 18, P 120, BP 90/64.
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 50
POISONING/OVERDOSE SCENARIO FORM
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint:
Apparent Life Threats:
Level of Responsiveness:
Airway:
Breathing:
Circulation:
Transport Decision:
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Substance:
When Ingested/Exposed:
How much Ingested:
Over what time period:
Interventions:
Estimated Weight:
Signs/Symptoms:
Allergies:
Medications:
Past Pertinent History:
Last oral intake:
Event leading up to:
Focused physical
examination:
Vitals: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 51
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES
You arrive on the scene as rescuers are pulling a 16 year old female from an ice covered creek. The
teenager has been moved out of the creek onto dry land, is completely soaked and appears drowsy.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint: "I saw something in the water below the ice. When I tried to get it out, the
ice broke."
Apparent Life Threats: Generalized hypothermia.
Level of Responsiveness: Responsive, but slow to speak.
Airway: Patent.
Breathing: 26 and shallow.
Circulation: No bleeding; pulse 110 and strong; pale, wet skin still covered in wet
clothing.
Transport Decision: Immediate transport.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Source: "I fell in the creek when the ice broke. I tried to get out but the current was to
strong. Thank God you came."
Environment: "The water was up to my neck. I could stand up, but I couldn't get out of the
water."
Duration: "I think I was in the water for ten minutes before they pulled me out. It felt
like an hour."
Loss of consciousness: "I feel sick, but I never passed out."
Effects: Lowered body temperature, slow speech patterns, "I can't stop shivering."
Allergies: None.
Medications: None.
Past Medical History: None.
Last Meal: "I ate lunch at school three hours ago."
Events Leading to Illness: "I thought the ice would hold me."
Focused physical
examination: Completes a rapid assessment to rule out trauma.
Vitals: RR 26, P 110 and strong, BP 120/80.
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 52
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY SCENARIO FORM
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint:
Apparent Life Threats:
Level of Responsiveness:
Airway:
Breathing:
Circulation:
Transport Decision:
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Source:
Environment:
Duration:
Loss of Consciousness:
Effects General or Local:
Signs/Symptoms:
Allergies:
Medications:
Past Pertinent History:
Last oral intake:
Event leading up to:
Focused physical
examination:
Vitals: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 53
OBSTETRICS
You arrive on the scene where a 26-year-old female is laying on the couch saying, "The baby is coming
and the pain is killing me!"
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint: "I'm nine months pregnant and the baby is coming soon."
Apparent Life Threats: None.
Level of Responsiveness: Awake and alert.
Airway: Patent.
Breathing: Panting, rapid breathing during contractions.
Circulation: No bleeding, pulse 120, skin is pale.
Transport Decision: Unknown.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Are you pregnant: See chief complaint (award point if mentioned in general impression).
How long pregnant: See chief complaint (award point if mentioned in general impression).
Pain or contractions: "My pain is every 2-3 minutes and it lasts 2-3 minutes."
Bleeding or discharge: None.
Do you feel the
need to push: "Yes, every time the pain begins."
Crowning: Present (award point if identified in focused physical exam).
Allergies: None.
Medications: None.
Past Medical History: "This is my third baby."
Last Meal: "I ate breakfast today."
Events Leading to Illness: "The contractions started a few hours ago and have not stopped."
Focused physical
examination: Assess for crowning, bleeding and discharge.
Vitals: RR 40 during contractions, P 120, BP 140/80.
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 54
OBSTETRICS SCENARIO FORM
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint:
Apparent Life Threats:
Level of Responsiveness:
Airway:
Breathing:
Circulation:
Transport Decision:
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Are you Pregnant:
How Long Pregnant:
Pain or Contractions:
Bleeding or Discharge:
Has Water Broken:
Feel the need to push:
Last Menstrual Period:
Signs/Symptoms:
Allergies:
Medications:
Past Pertinent History:
Last oral intake:
Event leading up to:
Focused physical
examination:
Vitals: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 55
BEHAVIORAL
You arrive on the scene where you find a 45 year old male in the custody of the police. He is unable to
stand and smells of beer. He appears to be dirty and you notice numerous rips and tears in his clothes.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint: "Nothing is wrong with me except these cops won't leave me alone. I only
drank two beers."
Apparent Life Threats: None.
Level of Responsiveness: Responds slowly with slurred speech to verbal questions.
Airway: Patent.
Breathing: 16 and effortless.
Circulation: No bleeding, pulse 100, warm skin and red nose.
Transport Decision: Delayed.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
How do you feel: "I'm a little sick, otherwise, I just want to go to sleep."
Suicidal tendencies: "No, I ain't going to kill myself."
Threat to others: "Hey man, I ain't never hurt anyone in my life."
Is there a medical problem: "My wife says I'm an alcoholic, but what does she know?"
Interventions: "Yeah, I took three aspirins because I know I'm going to have one heck of a
headache in the morning."
Allergies: None.
Medications: None.
Past Medical History: "I've been in the hospital four times with those DTs."
Last Meal: "Man, I haven't eaten since yesterday."
Events Leading to Illness: "I don't care what these cops say, I didn't fall down. I was just
taking a nap before going home."
Focused physical
examination: Complete a rapid assessment to rule out trauma.
Vitals: RR 16, P 100, BP 90/60.
Scenario No.________ Date:_______________
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 56
BEHAVIORAL SCENARIO FORM
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Chief Complaint:
Apparent Life Threats:
Level of Responsiveness:
Airway:
Breathing:
Circulation:
Transport Decision:
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
How do you Feel:
Any Suicidal Tendencies:
Threat to Self or Others:
Any Medical Problem:
Interventions:
Signs/Symptoms:
Allergies:
Medications:
Past Pertinent History:
Last oral intake:
Event leading up to:
Focused physical
examination:
Vitals: 1. Initial Vital Signs: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
2. First Recheck: R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
3. Second Recheck R =_____ P = _____ BP = _____/_____
Course #
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 57
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
CARDIAC ARREST MANAGEMENT/AED
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to effectively manage a pre-hospital
cardiac arrest by integrating CPR skills, defibrillation, airway adjuncts, and patient\scene
management skills. This includes the integration of people and equipment commonly
associated with an ambulance responding to a cardiac arrest scene in a basic life support
scenario. The candidate will arrive at the scene and encounter a cardiac arrest situation with
CPR being performed by a first responder. The candidate will be required to immediately apply
an automated external defibrillator and deliver appropriate shocks.
The skill sheet is divided into four distinct segments: Assessment, Transition, Integration,
and Transportation.
ASSESSMENT: In this segment the candidate must demonstrate effective history gathering
skills by obtaining information about the events leading up to, and during, the cardiac arrest.
When gathering the history the candidate must ask, at minimum, the following questions:
-How long has the victim been in arrest?
-How long has CPR been in progress?
Although gathering a history on the cardiac arrest event is an assessment item, it should not be
construed that it overrides the need for resuscitation. The current standards for CPR should be
adhered to at all times during this station. The candidate must assess for the presence of a
spontaneous pulse and be informed, by you, that there is no spontaneous pulse. The candidate
must direct the resumption of CPR by the assistant EMT or the first responder while he\she
prepares the defibrillator for use. The candidate must, within one minute of arrival at the
patient's side, apply the automated external defibrillator to the mannequin and initiate the first
shock.
TRANSITION: In this segment the candidate must direct the EMT assistant and the first
responder to initiate two (2) rescuer CPR. Also during this segment, the candidate must
prepare the airway and ventilation adjuncts to be used in the integration segment. The
candidate should attempt to gather additional information from bystanders about the events
leading to the cardiac arrest. When asked questions about the event, you should indicate that
bystanders did not see the victim collapse and are unaware of any associated medical
problems.
INTEGRATION: In this segment the candidate must integrate the use of an oropharyngeal
airway and a ventilation adjunct into the CPR scenario that is already in progress. The
candidate voices that he\she would measure and insert the oropharyngeal airway. He\she then
must ventilate or direct the ventilation of the patient using adjunctive equipment. Interruption of
CPR should not exceed 30 seconds for measuring and placing the airway. The candidate may
choose to use a pocket mask, flow restricted oxygen powered ventilation device or a bag-valve
mask device to ventilate the patient.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 58
You should not indicate displeasure with the candidate's choice of ventilatory adjunct since this
station is testing the candidate's ability to integrate adjunctive equipment into a cardiac arrest
scene and not local protocols or variations in equipment. Regardless of the device chosen, it is
essential that the candidate connect it to supplemental high percentage oxygen. After
establishing ventilation using the adjunctive equipment, the candidate must perform ventilations
for two rescuer CPR with the aid of the EMT assistant performing compressions for a minimum
of one minute.
TRANSPORTATION: In this segment the candidate is required to verbalize moving the patient
onto a long spine board or onto a CPR board\spine board and an ambulance cot.
The supplies\equipment needed for this station include an automated external defibrillator, a
bag-valve-mask, a pocket mask or a demand valve, supplemental oxygen set up, and oxygen
connection tubing.
This skill station requires the presence of an EMT assistant, a first responder, and a
defibrillation mannequin. Candidates are to be tested individually with the EMT assistant and
the first responder acting as assistants who provide no input in the application of skills or
equipment. The EMT assistant and first responder should be told not to speak but to follow the
commands of the candidate. Errors of omission or commission by the first responder or
assistant can not result in failure of the candidate unless they were improperly instructed by the
candidate.
Due to the extra individuals involved in this skill station, it is essential that you observe the
actions of the candidate at all times. Do not be distracted by the actions of the first responder or
the EMT assistant because they should do only as instructed by the candidate. As you observe
the candidate ventilating the patient, remember that the ability to ventilate the patient with
adequate volumes of air is not being evaluated. Adequate ventilation of a mannequin is
evaluated in the "Bag Valve Mask Apneic Patient with Pulse". However, you may make
notations on the Evaluation Form of problems or errors, which do not meet the pass/fail criteria
for this station. You are evaluating scene\situation control, integration skills, and decision-
making ability.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
CARDIAC ARREST MANAGEMENT
This station is designed to test your ability to manage a pre-hospital cardiac arrest by integrating
CPR skills, defibrillation, airway adjuncts and patient\scene management skills. There will be an
EMT assistant in this station. The EMT assistant will only do as you instruct him\her. As you
arrive on the scene you will encounter a patient in cardiac arrest. A first responder will be
present performing single rescuer CPR. You must immediately establish control of the scene
and begin resuscitation of the patient with an automated external defibrillator. At the
appropriate time, the patient's airway must be controlled and you must ventilate or direct the
ventilation of the patient using adjunctive equipment. You may use any of the supplies available
in this room. You have (15) fifteen minutes to complete this skill station. Do you have any
questions?
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 59
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
BAG-VALVE-MASK-APNEIC PATIEN WITH PULSE
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to effectively initiate and continue
ventilation of an apneic patient using a bag-valve-mask device. The station was developed to
simulate a realistic situation that an EMT might face in the field. The candidate will enter the
station and find an apneic patient with a palpable central pulse. There are no bystanders and
artificial ventilation has not been initiated. The candidate must immediately open the patient's
airway and initiate ventilation using a bag-valve-mask. After establishing a patent airway and
ventilating the patient for 30 seconds or longer, the candidate must integrate supplemental high
flow oxygen into the procedure. If the candidate chooses to set up high flow oxygen prior
to establishing a patent airway and ventilation, he\she has failed to immediately ventilate
an apneic patient.
When ventilating, the candidate must provide a minimum of 700 ml volume per breath, but no
more than 1000 ml. This equals the current standards established for appropriate rescue
breathing volumes during basic and advanced life support. Unless you are using a mannequin
with a recorder to determine the exact volume per breath, you must estimate the volume
according to the amount of chest rise on the mannequin.
This station requires a mannequin that is capable of being ventilated with volumes of 400 ml or
more. It must also have the capability of registering successful lung inflations of 400 ml to 1200
ml per breath. This may be accomplished by using a system that lights up when successful
volumes are reached or a system that graphs successful volumes. The mannequin must be life
size, possess anatomically correct airway structures, and meet the criteria listed above. An
intubation mannequin (head only mannequin) is NOT acceptable. Additionally this station
requires a bag-valve-mask device and oxygen connecting tubing. The supplemental oxygen
system MUST be functional.
As the candidate enters the station, they are required to immediately open the patient's airway
and ventilate the patient using a bag-valve-mask device. If the candidate begins ventilation
using a mouth-to-mouth technique, you should advise the candidate that he is required to use a
bag-valve-mask device for all ventilation in this station. After the candidate completes the initial
30 seconds of ventilation, you should advise him that the patient is being ventilated properly and
he should integrate high flow oxygen at this point in the procedure.
You should observe the candidate ventilating the mannequin for a period of 30 seconds. During
this time you should pay close attention to volumes. The volumes should be in the range of 400
ml - 600 ml per breath. If you observe one or less ventilation error in 30 seconds you should
award one (1) point. No point should be awarded if you observe two or more ventilation errors in
30 seconds. After successfully demonstrating single rescuer use of a bag-valve-mask you will
inform the candidate that a second rescuer is present. The second rescuer will be instructed to
ventilate the patient while the candidate controls the mask and the airway.
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 60
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
BAG-VALVE-MASK-APNEIC PATIENT WITH PULSE
This station is designed to test your ability to ventilate a patient using a bag-valve-mask. As you
enter the station you will find an apneic patient with a palpable central pulse. There are no
bystanders and artificial ventilation has not been initiated. The only patient management
required is airway management and ventilatory support. You must initially ventilate the patient
for a minimum of 30 seconds. You will be evaluated on the appropriateness of ventilator
volumes. I will then inform you that a second rescuer has arrived and will instruct you that you
must control the airway and the mask seal while the second rescuer provides ventilation. You
may use only the equipment available in this room. You have five (5) minutes to complete this
station. Do you have any questions?
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 61
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
SPLINTING SKILLS
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to use various splints and splinting
materials to properly immobilize specific musculoskeletal injuries. This station will be tested as
three separate skills. Each candidate will be required to splint a long bone injury using a rigid
splint, a shoulder injury using a sling and swathe, or a mid-shaft femur deformity using a traction
splint.
IMMOBILIZATION SKILL - LONG BONE
The candidate is tested on his\her ability to properly immobilize a swollen, deformed extremity
using a rigid splint. The candidate will be advised that a scene size-up and initial assessment
have been completed on the victim and that during the focused assessment a deformity of a
long bone was detected. The victim will present with a non-angulated, closed, long bone injury
of the upper or lower extremity - specifically an injury of the radius, ulna, tibia, or fibula.
The candidate will then be required to treat the specific, isolated extremity injury. Initial and
ongoing assessment of the patient's airway, breathing and central circulation are not required at
this testing station. The candidate will be required to motor, sensory and circulatory function in
the injured extremity prior to splint application and after completing the splinting process.
Additionally, the use of traction splints, pneumatic splints, and vacuum splints is not permitted
and these splints should not be available for use.
The candidate is required to "secure entire injured extremity" after the splint has been applied.
There are various methods of accomplishing this particular task. Long bone injuries of the upper
extremity may be secured by tying the extremity to the torso after a splint is applied. Long bone
injuries of the lower extremity may be secured by placing the victim properly on a long spine
board or applying a rigid long board splint between the victim’s legs and then securing the legs
together. Any of these methods should be considered acceptable and points should be
awarded accordingly.
When splinting the upper extremity, the candidate is required to immobilize the hand in the
position of function. A position that is to be avoided is the hand secured with the palm flattened
and the fingers extended. The palm should never be flattened. The wrist should be dorsiflexed
about 20 to 30 degrees and all the fingers should be slightly flexed.
When splinting the lower extremity, the candidate is required to immobilize the foot in a position
of function. Two positions to be avoided are gross plantar flexion and gross plantar extension.
No points should be awarded if these positions are used.
IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS - JOINT INJURY
The candidate is tested on his\her ability to properly immobilize a shoulder injury using a sling
and swathe. The candidate will be advised that a scene size-up and initial assessment have
been completed and that during the focused assessment a shoulder injury is detected. The
victim will present with the upper arm positioned at his side while supporting the lower arm at a
90-degree angle across his\her chest with the uninjured hand. For this station, the injured arm
should not be positioned away from the body, behind the body, or any position that could not be
immobilized by a simple sling and swathe.
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 62
The candidate will be required to treat only the specific, isolated shoulder injury. Initial and
ongoing assessment of the patient's airway, breathing and central circulation are not required at
this testing station. The candidate will be required to check motor, sensory and circulatory
function in the injured extremity prior to splint application and after completing the splinting
process. Additionally, the only splint available at this station is a sling and swathe. Any other
splint, including a long spine board, is not permitted at this station.
It should be noted that the use of a long spine board is an acceptable method of splinting this
injury since a long spine board will effectively splint every bone in the body. If the candidate
elects to avoid individual splinting and responds that he\she will use a long spine board, the
examiner should respond, "that is an acceptable procedure, however, in this station you are
being tested on your ability to apply a simple sling and swathe to immobilize the injury." The
examiner should reset\restart the time clock after this explanation.
IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS - TRACTION SPLINT
The candidate is tested on his\her ability to properly immobilize a mid-shaft femur injury using a
traction splint. The candidate will be advised that a scene size-up and initial assessment has
been completed and that during a focused assessment a mid-shaft femur injury was detected.
The victim will present with a closed, non-angulated, mid-shaft femur injury. The victim will be
found laying supine with both legs fully extended. The femur deformity should be an isolated
injury with no complicating factors that would concern or distract the candidate.
The candidate will be required to treat only the specific, isolated femur injury. Initial and
ongoing assessment of the patient's airway breathing and central circulation are not required at
this testing station. The candidate will be required to check motor, sensory and circulatory
function in the injured extremity prior to splint application and after completing the
splinting process.
There should be various types of traction splints at this testing station--specifically traction
splints commonly used in the local EMS system, a bipolar traction splint, and a unipolar traction
splint. Carefully note the comments listed on the evaluation form for unipolar versus bipolar
splint application.
One controversy encountered in using traction splints is when to apply manual traction. When
using a bipolar (Hare) traction splint, elevation of the injured leg is required; therefore manual in-
line traction must be applied prior to elevating the leg for splint insertion. While using the bipolar
splint, manual traction may be applied immediately upon detection of a mid-shaft femur injury
before application of the ankle hitch. An alternate method while using a bipolar traction splint is
to support the injury site while the leg is on the ground, apply the ankle hitch and then apply
manual traction before elevating the leg to insert the splint. These variations in applying manual
traction while using a bipolar device are equally acceptable and should be awarded points
accordingly. The two methods described for applying manual traction while using a bipolar
traction splint are also acceptable when using a unipolar traction device.
Additionally, the application of certain unipolar (Sagar or Kendricks) traction splints do not
require the application of manual traction since elevation of the leg is not required. With these
devices, the deformed site is supported without manual traction until the device is in place and
mechanical traction is applied. In this instance, the candidate should receive the point for
"applied and maintained manual traction."
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 63
This skill requires that an assistant EMT be present during testing. Candidates are to be tested
individually. All assisting EMTs should be told not to speak but to follow the commands of the
candidate. The candidate is responsible for the conduct of the assisting EMT. If the assisting
EMT is instructed to provide improper care, areas on the score sheet relating to that care should
be deducted. At no time should you allow the candidate or assisting EMT to perform a
procedure that would actually injure the simulated victim.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS - LONG BONE
This station is designed to test your ability to properly immobilize a closed, non-angulated long
bone injury. You are required to treat only the specific, isolated injury to the extremity. The
scene size-up and initial assessment have been completed and during the focused assessment
a closed, non-angulated injury of the ________________ (radius, ulna, tibia, fibula) was
detected. Ongoing assessment of the patient's airway, breathing, and central circulation is not
necessary. You may use any equipment available in this room. You have (10) ten minutes to
complete this skill station. Do you have any questions?
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS - JOINT INJURY
This station is designed to test your ability to properly immobilize a non-complicated shoulder
injury. You are required to treat only the specific, isolated injury to the shoulder. The scene
size-up and initial assessment have been accomplished on the victim and during the focused
assessment a shoulder injury was detected. Ongoing assessment of the patient's airway,
breathing and central circulation is not necessary. You may use any equipment available in this
room. You have (10) ten minutes to complete this skill station. Do you have any questions?
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS - TRACTION SPLINTING
This station is designed to test your ability to properly immobilize a mid-shaft femur injury with a
traction splint. You will have an EMT assistant to help you in the application of the device by
applying manual traction when directed to do so. You are required to treat only the specific,
isolated injury to the femur. The scene size-up and initial assessment have been accomplished
on the victim and during the focused assessment a mid-shaft femur deformity was detected.
Ongoing assessment of the patient's airway, breathing, and central circulation is not necessary.
You may use any equipment available in this room. You have (10) ten minutes to complete this
skill station. Do you have any questions?
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 64
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
BLEEDING CONTROL/SHOCK MANAGEMENT
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to treat a life threatening hemorrhage and
subsequent hypoperfusion. This station will be scenario based and will require some dialogue
between you and the candidate. The candidate will be required to properly treat a life
threatening hemorrhage.
The victim will present with an arterial bleed from a severe laceration of the extremity. You will
prompt the actions of the candidate at predetermined intervals as indicated on the skill sheet.
The candidate will be required to provide the appropriate intervention at each interval when the
patient's condition changes. It is essential, due to the purpose of this station, that the patient's
condition not deteriorate to a point where CPR would be initiated. This station is not designed
to test CPR.
The equipment and supplies needed at this station include field dressings and bandages, a
blanket, an oxygen delivery system, and a non-rebreather mask.
The scenario provided in this essay is an example of an acceptable scenario for this station. It
is not intended to be the only possible scenario for this station. Variations of the scenario are
possible and should be utilized in order to reduce the possibility of a candidate knowing the
scenario before entering the test. If the scenario is to be changed, the following guidelines must
be used:
- An isolated laceration to an extremity producing an arterial bleed must be
present.
- The scene must be safe.
- As the scenario continues the victim must present signs and symptoms of
hypoperfusion.
It is essential that once a scenario is established for a specific test, it remain the same for all
candidates being tested on that date. This will ensure consistency of the examination process
for all candidates tested.
Due to the scenario format of this station, you are required to prompt the candidate at various
times during the exam. When the bleeding is initially managed with a pressure dressing and
bandage, you should inform the candidate that the wound is still bleeding. If the candidate
places a second pressure dressing over the first, you should again inform him\her that the
wound continues to bleed. After the candidate uses an appropriate arterial pressure point to
control the hemorrhage, you should inform him\her that the bleeding is controlled. Once the
bleeding is controlled, you should indicate to the candidate that the victim is in a hypoperfused
state by indicating signs and symptoms appropriate for this level of shock (example: cool
clammy skin, restlessness, BP 110/80, P 118, R 30).
Controversy exists in the national EMS community concerning the removal of dressings by
EMTs when controlling hemorrhage. This station does not require the EMT to remove any
dressing once applied. If the candidate chooses to remove the initial dressing to apply direct
finger tip pressure, you should award the point for "applies an additional dressing to the
wound" since this is an acceptable alternative method to control bleeding when the application
of an initial pressure dressing fails to stop the flow of blood.
This skill station requires the presence of a simulated victim. The victim may be an appropriate
mannequin or a live person. If used, the mannequin must be a hard shell and anatomically
accurate.
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 65
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
BLEEDING CONTROL/SHOCK MANAGEMENT
This station is designed to test your ability to control hemorrhage. This is a scenario based
testing station. As you progress through the scenario, you will be given various signs and
symptoms appropriate for the patient's condition. You will be required to manage the patient
based on these signs and symptoms. A scenario will be read aloud to you and you will be given
an opportunity to ask clarifying questions about the scenario, however, you will not receive
answers to any questions about the actual steps of the procedures to be performed. You may
use any of the supplies and equipment available in this room. You have (10) ten minutes to
complete this skill station. Do you have any questions?
SCENARIO (sample)
BLEEDING CONTROL/SHOCK MANAGEMENT
You respond to a stabbing and find a 25-year-old male victim. Upon examination you find a two
(2) inch stab wound to the inside of the right arm at the anterior elbow crease (antecubital
fascia). Bright red blood is spurting from the wound. The scene is safe and the patient is
responsive and alert. His airway is open and he is breathing adequately. Do you have any
questions?
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 66
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
UPPER AIRWAY ADJUNCTS AND SUCTION
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to properly measure and insert an
oropharyngeal airway, a nasopharyngeal airway and properly suction a patient's airway. This
station is comprised of three separate skills. The candidate will be required to measure,
insert, and remove an oropharyngeal and a nasopharyngeal airway as well as suction the
patient's upper airway.
The oropharyngeal airway, nasopharyngeal airway and suction are in one skill station for
scoring purposes only. It should not be inferred, nor are we implying, that there is a sequential
connection between the three skills. You should not test these as sequential skills but as three
distinct, isolated skills.
The technique for opening a patient's mouth and inserting an oropharyngeal airway varies from
text to text, i.e. - 90-degree rotation, 180-degree rotation, direct insertion. Since concern for
spinal immobilization is not required at this station, the ultimate criteria for appropriately opening
the patient's mouth and inserting the oropharyngeal airway should be that the tongue is not
pushed posteriorly.
The equipment needed at this station includes various sizes of oropharyngeal and
nasopharyngeal airways and a suction device (manual or battery operated device). Additionally,
this station requires the presence of a mannequin that can accept the insertion of an
oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway. The mannequin may be an intubation head,
however it should be life size and have anatomically correct airway structures.
Once the candidate has the oropharyngeal airway in place, you should advise the candidate
that the patient is gagging. If the candidate fails to immediately remove the oropharyngeal
airway, place a zero in the "points awarded" column. Once the candidate has finished the
procedure for oropharyngeal airway insertion and removal, you should direct him\her to
demonstrate the proper procedure for suctioning a patient's upper airway. Finally, the candidate
should be instructed to insert a nasopharyngeal airway into the mannequin.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
UPPER AIRWAY ADJUNCTS AND SUCTION
This station is designed to test your ability to properly measure, insert and remove an
oropharyngeal and a nasopharyngeal airway as well as suction a patient's upper airway. This is
an isolated skills test comprised of three separate skills. You may use any equipment available
in this room. You have five (5) minutes to complete this station. Do you have any questions?
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 67
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
MOUTH-TO-MASK WITH SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to effectively ventilate a patient using a
mouth-to-mask technique. This station is testing an isolated skill. The candidate will be advised
that the patient is being ventilated, mouth-to-barrier, by a first responder. Upon entering the skill
station, the candidate will be required to connect the mask to oxygen and ventilate the patient
using a mouth-to-mask technique. The candidate may assume that the patient has a central
pulse and that the only patient management required is ventilation with high concentration of
oxygen.
When ventilating the patient, the candidate must provide a minimum of 800 ml volume per
breath. This equals the current standards established for appropriate rescue breathing volumes
during basic and advanced life support.
This station requires a mannequin that is capable of being ventilated with volumes of 800 ml or
more. It must also have the capability of registering successful lung inflations of 800 ml to 1200
ml per breath. This may be accomplished by using a system that lights up when successful
volumes are reached or a system that graphs successful volumes. The mannequin must be life
size, possess anatomically correct airway structures, and meet the criteria listed above. An
intubation mannequin is NOT acceptable. Additionally, this station requires a ventilator mask
with a one-way valve and oxygen connecting tubing. The supplemental oxygen system should
be functional.
Due to the nature of this station, infection control measures must be enforced. You should
follow the current infection control measures established by the American Heart Association for
mannequin disinfection.
You should observe the candidate ventilating the mannequin for a period of 30 seconds. During
this time, you should pay close attention to volumes. The volumes should be in the range of
800 ml - 1200 ml per breath. If you observe one ventilation error or less in 30 seconds (volume
only) you should award one (1) point. No points should be awarded if you observe two or more
ventilation errors in 30 seconds.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
MOUTH-TO-MASK WITH SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN
This station is designed to test your ability to ventilate a patient with supplemental oxygen using
a mouth-to-mask technique. This is an isolated skills test. You may assume that mouth-to-
barrier device ventilation is in progress and that the patient has a central pulse. The only patient
management required is ventilator support using a mouth-to-mask technique with supplemental
oxygen. You must ventilate the patient for at least 30 seconds. You will be evaluated on the
appropriateness of ventilatory volumes. You may use any equipment available in this room.
You have five (5) minutes to complete this station. Do you have any questions?
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINER
SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION
This station is designed to test the candidate's ability to correctly assemble the equipment
needed to administer supplemental oxygen in the pre-hospital setting. The candidate will be
required to assemble the oxygen delivery system, administer correct oxygen liter flow to a
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 68
patient using a non-rebreather mask. The candidate will be informed that the patient does not
tolerate a non-rebreather mask and will be instructed to administer oxygen using a nasal
cannula. The candidate will be required to discontinue oxygen therapy including relieving all
pressure from the oxygen tank regulator.
As the candidate enters the station he will be instructed to assemble the oxygen delivery system
and administer oxygen to the simulated patient using a non-rebreather mask. During this
procedure, the candidate must check for tank\regulator leaks. If a leak is found and not
corrected, you should subtract one point for this step. If a leak is found but is corrected, there
should be no points deducted.
Oxygen liter flow rates are normally established according to the patient history and patient
condition. Since this is an isolated skills test, liter flow rates of greater than 12 liters\minute for
the non-rebreather and less than six (6) liters\minute for the nasal cannula are acceptable.
After the candidate has applied the non-rebreather mask to the patient and established an
oxygen liter flow, you must inform the candidate that the patient can not tolerate the mask and
instruct him to continue oxygen administration using a nasal cannula. Once the oxygen flow
rate has been adjusted for the nasal cannula, instruct the candidate to discontinue oxygen
administration.
The equipment needed at this station includes an oxygen tank, a regulator with a flow meter, a
non-rebreather mask, and a nasal cannula. The oxygen tank at this station must be fully
pressurized (air or oxygen). The simulated patient for this station may be a live person or a
mannequin. If a mannequin is used, it must have anatomically correct ears, nose and mouth.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION
This station is designed to test your ability to correctly assemble the equipment needed to
administer supplemental oxygen in the pre-hospital setting. This is an isolated skills test. You
will be required to assemble an oxygen tank and a regulator and administer oxygen to a patient
using a non-rebreather mask. At this point you will be instructed to discontinue oxygen
administration by the non-rebreather mask and start oxygen administration using a nasal
cannula because the patient can not tolerate the mask. Once you have initiated oxygen
administration using a nasal cannula, you will be instructed to discontinue oxygen administration
completely. You may use only the equipment available in this room. You have five (5) minutes
to complete this station. Do you have any questions?
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Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
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Appendix
A
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLS PSE Administrative Manual Updated 1/3/2017 Page 70
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services CFR/EMT Final Practical Skills Examination Summary Sheet
Course
No:
Certified
Instructor Coordinator:
Practical Skills Exam
Coordinator:
Practical
Exam Date
Course Location:
Signature: _______________________________
Signature:___________________________________
Month Day Year
Station
Final Results
Evaluator
Student’s Name
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
Pass Fail P = Pass F = Fail
P F
P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
DOH-2733 (2/97)
Station
Final Results
Evaluator
Student’s Name
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
1
st
Retest
2
nd
Retest
Pass Fail P = Pass F = Fail
P F
P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F P F
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
DOH-2733 (2/97)
NYS Department of Health Final PSE
Bureau of EMS Student Results
Course Sponsor: Course Number:
PSE Location Address:
Student NYS ID Number: Student’s Name:
Date of PSE: / / Certification Level Tested: CFR EMT – B
(Circle Appropriate Level)
Station Number Pass Fail
Final PSE
Results
PSE Coordinator:
(Signature)
CIC:
(Signature)
Appendix
B
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
PATIENT ASSESSMENT - MEDICAL
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to perform a patient
assessment of a patient with a chief complaint of a medical problem
and “voice” treat all conditions discovered. You must conduct your
assessment as you would in the field including communicating with
your patient. You may remove the patient’s clothing down to shorts
or swimsuit if you feel it is necessary. As you conduct your
assessment, you should verbalize everything you are assessing.
Clinical information not obtainable by visual or physical inspection
will be given to you after you demonstrate how you would normally
gain that information. You may assume that you have two EMTs
working with you and that they are correctly carrying out the verbal
treatments you indicate. You have ten (10) minutes to complete this
skill station. Do you have any questions?
STATION
1
CFR/EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
PATIENT ASSESSMENT
MEDICAL
Examiner
Initials
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes, or verbalizes, body substance isolation precautions C
Determines the scene is safe C
Determines the mechanism of injury / nature of illness 1
Determines the number of patients 1
Requests additional help if necessary 1
Considers stabilization of spine 1
Verbalizes general impression of the patient 1
Determines responsiveness/level of consciousness (AVPU) 1
Determines chief complaint/apparent life threats 1
Airway and Breathing Assess and maintains airway C
Initiates appropriate oxygen therapy C
Assures adequate ventilation C
Manages life threats to airway/breathing C
Circulation Assesses/controls major bleeding C
Assesses pulse C
Assesses skin (color, temperature, and
condition
)
C
Assesses airway, breathing & circulation prior to physical exam C
Identifies priority patient/updates responding EMS units with brief report C
Obtain baseline vital signs Pulse Rate (1) & Quality (1) (+/- 10) [1] 3
Respirations Rate (1) & Quality (1) (+/- 4) [1] 3
Blood Pressure Systolic (1) (+/- 10) Diastolic (1) (+/- 10) 2
Skin (color [1], temperature [1] & condition [1]) 3
Onset (1), Provocation (1), Quality (1), Radiation (1), Severity (1), Time (1)
6
Allergies (1), Medications (1), Pertinent Past History (1), Last oral intake (1), Events(1)
5
Assesses appropriate Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Neurological,
body system Musculoskeletal, Integumentary, C
GI/GU, Reproductive, Psychological/Social
States general impression 1
Verbalizes appropriate interventions and treatment 1
REASSESSMENT
States when will do reassessment/how often 1
Appropriately verbalizes report to arriving ambulance crew 1
Candidate completed station within 10 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and
receive at least 23 points to pass this station.
33
CFR and EMT
Practical Examination
STATION
1
Pass .
Fail .
PRIMARY ASSESSMENT
SCENE
SIZE-UP
HISTORY
SECONDARY
ASSESSMENT
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
PATIENT ASSESSMENT - TRAUMA
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to perform a patient
assessment of a victim of multi-system trauma and “voice” treat all
conditions and injuries discovered. You must conduct your
assessment as you would in the field including communicating with
your patient. You may remove the patient’s clothing down to shorts
or swimsuit if you feel it is necessary. As you conduct your
assessment, you should verbalize everything you are assessing.
Clinical information not obtainable by visual or physical inspection
will be given to you after you demonstrate how you would normally
gain that information. You may assume that you have two EMTs
working with you and that they are correctly carrying out the verbal
treatments you indicate. You have ten (10) minutes to complete this
skill station. Do you have any questions?
STATION
2
CFR/EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
PATIENT ASSESSMENT
TRAUMA
Examiner
Initials
EMT
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes, or verbalizes, body substance isolation precautions C
Determines the scene is safe C
Determines the mechanism of injury / nature of illness 1
Determines the number of patients 1
Requests additional help if necessary 1
Considers stabilization of spine C
Verbalizes general impression of the patient 1
Determines responsiveness/level of consciousness (AVPU) 1
Determines chief complaint/apparent life threats 1
Airway and Breathing Assess and maintains airway C
Initiates appropriate oxygen therapy C
Assures adequate ventilation C
Manages life threats to airway/breathing C
Circulation Assesses/controls major bleeding C
Assesses pulse C
Assesses skin (color, temperature, and condition) C
Assesses airway, breathing & circulation prior to physical exam C
Identifies priority patient/updates responding EMS units with brief Report C
History Attempts to obtain SAMPLE 1
Head Inspect mouth and nose 1
Inspect & palpate scalp, ears and facial area 1
Assesses eyes 1
Neck Palpates trachea for position 1
Checks jugular veins 1
Palpates cervical spine 1
Chest Inspects chest (1) and Palpates chest (1) 2
Auscultates chest – Left side (1), Right side (1) 2
Abdomen/Pelvis Inspects (1) & palpates (1) abdomen 2
Assesses pelvis 1
Verbalizes assessment of genitalia/perineum 1
Lower Extremities Inspects (1) palpates (1) motor/sensory/pulses (1) ea leg 6
Upper Extremities Inspects (1) palpates (1) motor/sensory/pulses (1) ea arm 6
Posterior Inspects (1) palpates (1) thorax 2
Posterior Inspects (1) palpates (1) lumbar and buttocks 2
Vital Signs Pulse Rate (1) & Quality (1) (+/- 10) [1] 3
Respirations Rate (1) & Quality (1) (+/- 4) [1] 3
Blood Pressure Systolic (1) (+/- 10) Diastolic (1) (+/- 10)
2
Skin (color [1], temperature [1] & condition [1]) 3
Manages secondary injuries and wounds appropriately 1
Verbalizes appropriate interventions and treatment 1
REASSESSMENT States when will do reassessment/how often 1
Appropriately verbalizes report to arriving ambulance crew 1
Candidate completed station within 10 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria. Total to pass: 37
52
CFR/EMT
Practical Examination
STATION
2
Pass .
Fail .
PRIMARY
ASSESSMENT
SCENE
SIZE-UP
HISTORY
SECONDARY ASSESSMENT
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
0
1/17
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
CARDIAC ARREST MANAGEMENT
AED
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to manage a prehospital
cardiac arrest by integrating CPR skills, defibrillation, airway adjuncts
and patient/scene management skills. There will be an EMT assistant
in this station. The EMT assistant will only do as you instruct. As
you arrive on the scene you find a patient on the floor. You must
immediately establish control of the scene and care of the patient. At
the appropriate time, the patient’s airway must be controlled and you
must ventilate or
direct the ventilation of the patient using adjunctive
equipment. You may use any of the supplies available in this room.
You have 15 minutes to complete this skill station. Do you have any
questions?
STATION
3
CFR/EMT
NOTES
NYS Department o
f Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
CARDIAC ARREST
MANAGEMENT
Examiner
Initials
AED
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes or verbalizes
,
bod
y
substance isolation
p
recautions C
Appropriately assess patient and confirms no pulse 1
Directs rescuer to begin single rescuer CPR 1
Assures adequate CPR and adequate (visible) chest rise during ventilations 1
Properly attaches AED pads in the correct locations 1
Turns on AED 1
Directs rescuer to stop CPR 1
Ensures all individuals are clear of the patient C
Initiates analysis of the patient’s rhythm 1
Delivers one (1) shock C
TRANSITION
Immediately begins 2 rescuer CPR without performing a pulse check
(candidate must be performing ventilations)(continues for 2 full minutes)
1
A
ssures ade
q
uate CPR and ade
q
uate
(
visible
)
chest rise durin
g
ventilations 1
Verbalizes insertion of a sim
p
le airwa
y
ad
j
unct
(
oral/nasal airwa
y)
1
Assures high concentration of oxygen is delivered to the patient 1
Assures CPR continues without unnecessary/prolonged interruption during the
2 minutes
1
Directs rescuer to stop CPR 1
Ensures all individuals are clear of the patient C
Initiates analysis of the patient’s rhythm 1
Delivers one (1) shock C
Immediately begins 2 rescuer CPR without performing a pulse check
(candidate should be performing ventilations)
Verbalizes trans
p
ortation of
p
atient 1
Candidate did not initiate first shock within 90 seconds of arrival C
Candidate did not initiate/resume CPR at appropriate times C
Candidate operated the AED improperly or unsafely C
Sto
p
s com
p
ressions to attach AED C
Candidate failed to assure a
pp
ro
p
riate com
p
ression-to-ventilation ratios C
Candidate com
p
leted station within 15 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and
receive at least 11
p
oints to
p
ass this station.
15
COMMENTS:
CFR/EMT
Practical Examination
STATION
3
Pass .
Fail .
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BAG-VALVE-MASK
APNEIC WITH PULSE
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to ventilate a patient using
a bag-valve-mask. As you enter the station you will find an apneic
patient with a palpable carotid pulse. There are no bystanders and
artificial ventilation has not been initiated. The only patient
management required is airway management and ventilatory support.
You must initially ventilate the patient for a minimum of 30 seconds
prior to connecting to a supplementary oxygen source. You will be
evaluated on the appropriateness of ventilatory volumes. I will then
inform you that a second rescuer has arrived and will instruct you that
you must control the airway and the mask seal while the second
rescuer provides ventilations. You may use only the equipment
available in this room. You have five (5) minutes to complete this
station. Do you have any questions?
STATION
4
CFR/EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
BAG-VALVE-MASK
APNEIC WITH
Examiner
Initials
PULSE
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes, or verbalizes, body substance isolation precautions C
Opens the airway 1
Inserts an airway adjunct 1
Selects appropriately sized mask 1
Creates a proper mask-to-face seal 1
Delivers first ventilation within 30 seconds of opening the airway 1
Ventilates patient at a rate of 10 – 12 breaths per minute
(approximately once every 5 – 6 seconds), for no more than 30 – 45 seconds
1
Connects reservoir and oxygen 1
Adjusts liter flow to 15 liters per minute or greater C
The examiner indicates the arrival of a second EMT
The second EMT is instructed to ventilate the patient while the candidate controls
the mask and the airway
1
Reopens the airway 1
Creates a proper mask-to-face seal 1
Instructs assistant to resume ventilations at an adequate volume to achieve visible
chest rise.
1
Instructs assistant to resume ventilations at a rate of 10 – 12 breaths per minute
(approximately once every 5 – 6 seconds) (The examiner must witness for a
minimum of 30 seconds)
1
Ventilates patient at an adequate volume to achieve visible chest rise C
Did not Interrupt ventilations for more than 30 seconds at any time C
Candidate ventilated patient prior to connecting supplementary oxygen C
Adequate ventilation volumes (did not over or under ventilate) C
Allowed for adequate exhalation C
Candidate completed station within the 5 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and receive
at least 9 points to pass this station.
12
COMMENTS:
CFR/EMT
Practical Examination
STATION
4
Pass .
Fail .
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
0
1/17
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
UPPER AIRWAY ADJUNCTS AND SUCTION
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to properly measure, insert
and remove an oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway as well as
suction a patient’s upper airway. This is an isolated skills test
comprised of three separate skills. You may use any equipment
available in this room. You have five (5) minutes to complete this
station. Do you have any questions.
STATION
5A
CFR/EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
UPPER AIRWAY
ADJUNCTS
Examiner
Initials
& SU
CTION
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
OROPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY Points: Comments
Takes
,
or verbalizes
,
bod
y
substance isolation
p
recautions C
Selects appropriately sized airway 1
Measures airway 1
Inserts airway without pushing the tongue posteriorly 1
Note: The examiner must advise the candidate that the patient is gagging and
becoming conscious
Removes the oropharyngeal airway 1
Suction Points: Comments
Note: The examiner must advise the candidate to suction the patient’s airway
Turns on/prepares suction device 1
Assures presence of mechanical suction 1
Inserts the suction tip without suction 1
Applies suction to the oropharynx/nasopharynx 1
Candidate demonstrated acceptable suction technique C
NASOPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY Points: Comments
Note: The examiner must advise the candidate to insert a nasopharyngeal
airway
Selects appropriately sized airway 1
Measures airway 1
Verbalizes lubrication of the nasal airway 1
Fully inserts the airway with the bevel facing toward the septum 1
Candidate did not insert any adjunct in a manner dangerous to the patient C
Candidate completed the station within the 5 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and receive
at least 9 points to pass this station.
12
COMMENTS:
CFR/EMT
Practical Examination
STATION
5A
Pass .
Fail .
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN
ADMINISTRATION
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to correctly assemble the
equipment needed to administer supplemental oxygen in the
prehospital setting. This is an isolated skills test. You will be
required to assemble an oxygen tank and a regulator and administer
oxygen to a patient using a non-rebreather mask. At this point, you
will be instructed to discontinue oxygen administration by the non-
rebreather mask and start oxygen administration using a nasal cannula
because the patient cannot tolerate the mask. Once you have initiated
oxygen administration using a nasal cannula, you will be instructed to
discontinue oxygen administration completely. You have five (5)
minutes to complete this station. Do you have any questions?
STATION
5B
CFR/EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
SUPPLEMENTAL
OXYGEN
Examiner
Initials
ADMINISTRATION
D
ate
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes, or verbalizes, body substance isolation precautions C
Assembles the regulator to the tank 1
Opens the tank 1
Checks for leaks 1
Checks and verbalizes tank pressure 1
Attaches non-rebreather mask to oxygen 1
Prefills reservoir C
Adjusts liter flow to 12 liters per minute or greater C
Applies and adjusts the mask to the patient’s face 1
Note: The examiner must advise the candidate that the patient is not tolerating
the non-rebreather mask. The examiner must instruct the candidate to
remove the non-rebreather mask and apply a nasal cannula to the
patient.
Attaches nasal cannula to oxygen 1
Adjusts liter flow to 6 liters per minute or less C
Applies nasal cannula to the patient 1
Note: The examiner must advise the candidate to discontinue oxygen therapy.
Removes nasal cannula from the patient 1
Shuts off the regulator 1
Relieves the pressure within the regulator 1
Candidate assembles the tank and regulator without leaks C
Candidate completed the station within the 5 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and receive
at least 8 points to pass this station.
11
COMMENTS:
CFR/EMT
Practical Examination
STATION
5B
Pass .
Fail .
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
BLEEDING CONTROL/SHOCK
MANAGEMENT
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to control hemorrhage.
This is a scenario-based testing station. As you progress through the
scenario, you will be given various signs and symptoms appropriate
for the patient’s condition. You will be required to manage the patient
based on these signs and symptoms. A scenario will be read aloud to
you and you will be given an opportunity to ask clarifying questions
about the scenario, however, you will not receive answers to any
questions about the actual steps of the procedures to be performed.
You may use any of the supplies available in this room. You have 5
minutes to complete this skill station. Do you have any questions?
STATION
5C
CFR/EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical
Services
Practical Skills Examination – CFR/EMT
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
BLEEDING CONTROL/
SHOCK
Examiner
Initials
MANAGEMENT
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes, or verbalizes, body substance isolation precautions C
Applies direct pressure to the wound 1
Note: The examiner must now inform the candidate that the wound continues
to bleed.
Applies a pressure dressing to the wound 1
Note: The examiner must now inform the candidate that the wound still
continues to bleed.
Applies a tourniquet 1
Verbalizes how to know when tourniquet has been adequately tightened. (until
bleeding has stopped)
1
Note: The examiner must now inform the candidate that the bleeding is
Controlled, but the patient is showing signs and symptoms indicative of
hypoperfusion.
Properly positions the patient 1
Applies high concentration oxygen C
Initiates steps to prevent heat loss from the patient 1
Indicates the need for immediate transportation 1
Candidate failed to control hemorrhage appropriately C
Candidate applied a tourniquet before attempting other methods of bleeding
control.
C
Candidate did not complete the station within the 5 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and receive
at least 6 points to pass this station.
7
COMMENTS:
CFR/EMT
Practical Examination
STATION
5C
Pass .
Fail .
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Practical Skills Examination – Emergency Medical Technician
01/17
NEW YO
RK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS – LONG BONE
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to properly immobilize a
closed, non-angulated long bone injury. You are required to treat only
the specific, isolated injury to the extremity. The scene size-up and
initial assessment have been completed and during the focused
assessment a closed, non-angulated injury of the
(radius,
ulna, tibia, fibula) was detected. Ongoing assessment of the patient’s
airway, breathing and central circulation is not necessary. You may
use any equipment available in this room. You have ten (10) minutes
to complete this station. Do you have any questions?
STATION
6 A
EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Practical Skills Examination – Emergency Medical Technician
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
IMMOBILIZATION
SKILLS
Examiner
Initials
LONG BONE INJURY
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes, or verbalizes, body substance isolation precautions C
Directs application of manual stabilization of the injury 1
Assesses motor, sensory and circulatory function in the injured extremity C
NOTE: The examiner verbally states “motor, sensory and circulatory functions
are present and normal”
Measures splint 1
Applies splint 1
Immobilizes the joint above the injury site C
Immobilizes the joint below the injury site C
Secures the entire injured extremity 1
Immobilizes the hand/foot in the position of function 1
Reassess motor, sensory and circulatory function in the injured extremity C
NOTE: The examiner verbally states “motor, sensory and circulatory functions
are present and normal”
Candidate did not grossly move the injured extremity C
Candidate completed station within 10 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and receive
at least 4 points to pass this station.
5
COMMENTS:
Emergency Medical Technician
Practical Examination
STATION
6 A
EMT
Pass .
Fail .
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Practical Skills Examination – Emergency Medical Technician
01/17
NEW YO
RK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS – JOINT INJURY
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to properly immobilize a
non-complicated shoulder injury. You are required to treat only the
specific, isolated injury to the shoulder. The scene size-up and initial
assessment have been completed and during the focused assessment a
shoulder injury was detected. Ongoing assessment of the patient’s
airway, breathing and central circulation is not necessary. You may
use any equipment available in this room. You have ten (10) minutes
to complete this station. Do you have any questions?
STATION
6 B
EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Practical Skills Examination – Emergency Medical Technician
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
IMMOBILIZATION
SKILLS
Examiner
Initials
JOINT INJURY
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes, or verbalizes, body substance isolation precautions C
Directs application of manual stabilization of the shoulder injury 1
Assesses motor, sensory and circulatory function in the injured extremity C
NOTE: The examiner verbally states “motor, sensory and circulatory functions
are present and normal”
Selects the proper splinting material 1
Immobilizes the site of the injury 1
Immobilizes the bone above the injured joint C
Immobilizes the bone below the injured joint C
Reassess motor, sensory and circulatory function in the injured extremity C
NOTE: The examiner verbally states “motor, sensory and circulatory functions
are present and normal”
Joint is supported so that the joint does not bear distal weight C
Candidate completed station within 10 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and receive
at least 2 points to pass this station.
3
COMMENTS:
Emergency Medical Technician
Practical Examination
STATION
6 B
EMT
Pass .
Fail .
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Practical Skills Examination – Emergency Medical Technician
01/17
NEW YO
RK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS
TRACTION SPLINTING
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
This station is designed to test your ability to properly immobilize a
mid-shaft femur injury with a traction splint. You will have an EMT
assistant to help you in the application of the device by applying
manual traction when directed to do so. You are required to treat only
the specific, isolated injury to the femur. The scene size-up and initial
assessment have been completed and during the focused assessment a
mid-shaft femur deformity was detected. Ongoing assessment of the
patient’s airway, breathing and central circulation is not necessary.
You may use any equipment available in this room. You have ten (10)
minutes to complete this station. Do you have any questions?
STATION
6 C
EMT
NOTES
NYS Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Practical Skills Examination – Emergency Medical Technician
01/17
Please Print
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Candidate
IMMOBILIZATION
SKILLS
Examiner
Initials
TRACTION SPLINTING
Date
Start Time Stop Time .
Points: Comments
Takes, or verbalizes, bod
y
substance isolation
p
recautions C
Directs application of manual stabilization of the injury 1
Assesses motor, sensory and circulatory function in the injured extremity C
NOTE: The examiner verbally states “motor, sensory and circulatory functions
are present and normal”
Directs the application of manual traction 1
Prepares / adjusts splint to the proper length 1
Applies the splint to the injured leg 1
Applies the proximal security device (e.g….ischial strap) 1
Applies the distal securing device (e.g……ankle hitch) 1
Applies mechanical traction 1
Positions / secures the support straps 1
Re-evaluates the proximal / distal security devices 1
Candidate reassesses motor, sensory and circulatory function in the injured extremity C
NOTE: The examiner verbally states “motor, sensory and circulatory functions
are present and normal”
NOTE: The examiner must ask the candidate how he/she would prepare the
patient for transportation
Verbalizes securing the torso to the long board to immobilize the hip 1
Verbalizes securing the splint to the long board to prevent movement of the splint 1
Traction is maintained throughout application of the splint C
The foot was not excessively rotated or extended after the splint was applied C
Secured the ischial strap before applying mechanical traction C
Final immobilization supported the femur and prevented rotation of the injured leg C
Applied mechanical traction before securing the leg to the splint C
Candidate completed station within 10 minute time limit C
Note: Candidate must complete all critical criteria and receive
at least 8 points to pass this station.
11
COMMENTS:
Emergency Medical Technician
Practical Examination
STATION
6 C
EMT
Pass .
Fail .
Possible Awarded
NOTE: If the Sagar splint or the Kendricks Traction Device is used without elevating
the patient’s leg, application of manual traction is not necessary. The candidate
should be awarded one point as if manual traction were applied.
NOTE: If the leg is elevated at all, manual traction must be applied before elevating
the leg. The ankle hitch may be applied before elevating the leg and used to provide
manual traction.
Notes
