Reading
Comprehension
Preparation
for
City of Phoenix
Firefighter Recruit
2008
1
Directions
Answers derived from Reading Comprehension Preparation items must be
based on information provided by the given paragraph.
An answer based on your knowledge of fire science, emergency medical
technology, or any other source of information other than the given
paragraph is not correct.
The answer key is provided.
iii
2
1
Traditionally, discipline as applied to organizations has been understood to mean
a well organized, adequately structured, uniform operation. However, in this
instance discipline refers to an organization’s responsibility to provide the
direction needed to satisfy the goals and objectives it has identified. In other
words, discipline is setting the limits or boundaries for expected performance and
enforcing them. This direction may come in the form of rules, regulations, or
policies, but regardless of the term used, it must define how the fire department
plans to operate. The rules of the organization must be clearly written and
presented.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
performance evaluation can be use as a disciplinary tool.
b.
the fire department should establish methods for disciplining its members.
c.
discipline is the expected standard of behavior of an organization.
d.
policies can direct the expected performance of an organization.
2
Equipment used for fire training must be in excellent condition. Items used
frequently for training often wear out sooner than those used routinely in the fire
station. Examples of frequently used training items are ropes, straps, buckles, and
other harness parts that must be tied, fastened, and unfastened repeatedly. Tools
with wooden handles can quickly become worn and splintered when used
repeatedly by trainees. All tools and equipment should be inspected before each
drill to ensure their reliability. Records must also be maintained on all equipment
used for training. Training equipment, like all fire fighting equipment, should be
tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable standards.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
harness parts are frequently used in training.
b.
manufacturers produce excellent fire training equipment.
c.
fire department records should identify when to replace worn equipment.
d.
equipment should be tested during fire training.
3
In the study of fire behavior, researchers frequently address power when they
consider the rate at which various fuels or fuel packages (groups of fuels) release
heat when they burn. During the last several decades, researchers at the National
Institute of Standards and Technology have compiled a great deal of information
on the heat release rates of many fuels and fuel packages. This information is
very useful in the study of fire behavior because it provides data on just how
much energy is released over time when various types of fuels are burned.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
heat release rates are very useful in the study of fire behavior.
b.
heat is defined as the energy transferred from one body to another.
c.
fuels burn at different rates.
d.
researchers frequently study fires to predict what fuels burn hotter.
3
4
The primary objective of understanding building construction and materials
principles is to apply that information to the fireground. Firefighters should use
their knowledge of these principles to monitor building conditions for signs of
structural instability. Any problems that are noted should be reported to incident
command personnel as quickly as possible. Even though a specific safety officer
may be designated at the scene, it is the obligation of all personnel to constantly
monitor for unsafe conditions.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
it is the safety officer’s responsibility to monitor building construction.
b.
poor building materials can lead to structural instability.
c.
incident command personnel should monitor fire building conditions.
d.
firefighters should report signs of structural instability to incident
command personnel.
5
Due to the rising costs of new construction, renovating old buildings is becoming
more popular. Hazardous situations may arise during renovation construction
because occupants and their belongings may remain in the building while
construction continues. Fire detection or alarm systems may be taken out of
service or damaged during renovation. With the accumulation of debris, new
construction materials, and equipment, exits can easily be blocked if good
housekeeping is not maintained, preventing the egress of persons from the
building in an emergency.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
fire alarm systems may be damaged during building renovation.
b.
buildings that are being renovated create greater danger for firefighters.
c.
hazardous materials may be found in renovation debris.
d.
building codes protect egress from a building during an emergency.
6
In approaching any patient, you must decide how much each patient is able to
understand and accept. You should be honest without additionally shocking the
patient or giving information that is unnecessary or that may not be understood.
Simply explain what you are doing and allow the patient to be part of the care
being given; this can relieve feelings of helplessness as well as some of the fear.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
empathy is a strong characteristic of EMTs.
b.
you should demonstrate sympathy with your patients.
c.
honesty is part of providing patient care.
d.
you must be an advocate for your patient at all times.
4
7
The main goal in providing care for musculoskeletal injuries is stabilization in the
most comfortable position that allows for maintenance of good circulation distal
to the injury. This should be done whether you are preparing the patient for rapid
transport or when you have as much time as you need to assess and treat the
patient.
According to information in the paragraph, a musculoskeletal injury should be
stabilized
a.
to create good circulation in the affected extremity.
b.
when the patient is being prepared for rapid transport.
c.
to reduce worsening of the injury.
d.
when an adequate assessment has been performed.
8
Firefighters must be aware of how the roofs in their response areas are
constructed. Pre-incident surveys should note roof construction and areas where
extra insulation has been added to existing roofs and attic areas. Also, current
methods for reducing costs in building construction consist of using less
expensive materials in the construction process. One of these methods is the use
of lightweight building materials. Lightweight roofs consisting of wooden I beam
and truss construction creates a collapse hazard when involved in fires.
Information gathered during pre-incident planning will alert firefighters to these
possible problems while performing ventilation.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
the roof covering of a building is important to ventilation strategy.
b.
pre-incident planning can alert firefighters to potential collapse hazards.
c.
construction costs are less for the roof beam than other parts of the
structure.
d.
a pre-incident inspection can identify a weak and unsafe roof.
9
When sufficient heat is confined in an area, the temperatures of combustible
materials rise to their ignition points. These materials will not ignite, however,
unless sufficient oxygen is available to support combustion. In this situation, a
very dangerous condition exists because the admittance of an air supply (which
provides the necessary oxygen) is all that is needed to explosively change the
superheated area into an instant inferno. This sudden ignition is referred to as
backdraft. In order to prevent this critical situation from occurring, top (vertical)
ventilation must b e provided to release superheated fire gases and smoke.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
a backdraft is defined as an explosion of superheated gases.
b.
a backdraft occurs when the temperature of a material falls below its
combustion point.
c.
a backdraft is a critical situation.
d.
if there are signs of backdraft, firefighters should order vertical
ventilation.
5
10
Technology continues to develop new methods and materials for extinguishing
fires. However, water still remains the primary extinguishing agent because of its
universal abundance and ability to absorb heat. Two primary advantages of water
are that it can be conveyed long distances and it can be easily stored. These are
also the fundamental principles of a water supply system. Because water remains
the primary extinguishing agent used by firefighters, it is important that they have
a good working knowledge of water supply systems.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
water has the ability to absorb heat.
b.
firefighters continue to develop new methods for extinguishing fires.
c.
extinguishing agents are discovered through technology.
d.
water is often stored for use in future firefighting activities.
11
A complete hose layout for firefighting purposes include one end of the hose
attached to or submerged in a source of water and the other attached to a nozzle or
similar discharge device. There are various devices used with fire hose, other
than hose couplings and nozzles, to complete such an arrangement. These devices
are usually grouped into two categories: hose appliances and hose tools.
Appliances include valves, valve devices (such as wyes, water thieves, large
diameter hose appliances, and hydrant valves), fittings (which include adapters),
and intake devices. Examples of hose tools include spanner wrenches, hose strap
and hose rope tools, hose chain tools, hose jackets, blocks, and hose clamps.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
a hose appliance is ant piece of equipment used in conjunction with fire
hose.
b.
spanner wrenches and hose clamps are examples of hose appliances.
c.
some hose appliances and hose tools must be submerged in order to be
arranged properly.
d.
a nozzle can be attached to an appliance to increase the effectiveness of
firefighting.
12
As you move through the steps of the initial assessment, you must always be alert
for signs of respiratory compromise or airway obstruction. Regardless of the
cause, a partial or complete airway obstruction will result in inadequate or absent
air flow into and out of the lungs. To prevent permanent damage to the brain,
heart, and lungs, or even death, you must determine if the airway is open (patent)
and adequate.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
death can occur from an inadequate or non-patent airway.
b.
resuscitation includes assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation.
c.
respiratory compromise and airway obstruction most likely result from
lung injury.
d.
chest compressions and rescue breathing can be performed in the initial
assessment.
6
13
Terrorists have been known to plant additional explosives that are set to explode
after the initial bomb. This type of secondary device is intended primarily to
injure responders and to secure media coverage, because the media generally
arrives on scene just after the initial response. You should secure your own safety
and constantly assess and reassess the scene for safety. It is easy to overlook a
suspicious package lying on the floor while you are treating casualties. Stay alert.
Something as subtle as a change in the wind direction during a gas attack or an
increase in the number of contaminated patients can place you in danger. Never
become so involved with the tasks that you are performing that you do not look
around and make sure that the scene remains safe.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
a secondary device can be easily discovered if you remain alert.
b.
scene safety can be compromised by not being alert.
c.
gas and packages are common instruments of terrorists.
d.
terrorists often wait for the media to arrive at the scene before detonating
secondary devices.
14
In the public’s eyes, the firefighter’s uniform and badge indicate that the wearer is
professionally qualified to discuss important aspects of fire prevention and give
reliable advice on how fire safety hazards can be corrected. When performing
any public fire prevention activity, the firefighter should project a well-groomed,
neat appearance. The uniform should be clean and in good condition. A neat
appearance gains the respect of the citizens being dealt with and bolsters the fire
department’s public image.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
the firefighter’s uniform suggest authority and the ability to control
emergency situations.
b.
a fire department’s public image can be marred by poorly attired
firefighters.
c.
firefighters should provide reliable information in fire education programs.
d.
firefighters are qualified to give advice to correct fire safety hazards.
15
Fires in electrical equipment occur quite frequently, but once deenergized they
can be handled with relative ease. In certain commercial and/or high-rise
buildings, power is necessary to operate elevators and/or air handling equipment
and thus the entire building should not be unilaterally deenergized. Similarly, a
crew member should be assigned to control power at vehicle fires and other
emergencies. Once the power has been shut down, these fires may self-extinguish
or if they continue to burn they will fall into either class “A” or class “B” fires.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
emergency personnel should extinguish class “A” and class “B” fires
before attempting to deenergize equipment.
b.
electrical fires are commonly caused by malfunctioning power breakers.
c.
fires in electrical equipment are easily handled after the equipment has
been deenergized.
d.
electrical fires generally self-extinguish.
7
16
More fire deaths occur from carbon monoxide (CO) than from any other toxic
product of combustion. This colorless, odorless gas is present with every fire.
The poorer the ventilation and the more inefficient the burning, the greater
quantity of carbon monoxide formed. As a rule of thumb, although subject to
much variation, is that darker smoke means higher carbon monoxide levels.
Black smoke is high in particulate carbon and carbon monoxide because of
incomplete combustion.
According to information in the paragraph, carbon monoxide
a.
and carbon dioxide cause most fire deaths.
b.
is formed in black smoke.
c.
can be detected by sight and smell.
d.
is formed during inefficient burning.
17
A block and tackle is useful for lifting or pulling heavy loads because of its
mechanical advantage in converting a given amount of pull to a working power
greater than the pull. A block is a wooden or metal frame containing one or more
pulleys called sheaves. The tackle is the assembly of ropes and blocks that the
line passes through to multiply the pulling force. Simple tackle is one or more
blocks reeved (threaded) with a single rope. Rescuers are most likely to use
simple tackle. Compound tackle is two or more blocks reeved with more than one
rope.
According to information in the paragraph, what are the two types of tackle?
a.
reeved and assembly tackle
b.
working and converting tackle
c.
compound and simple tackle
d.
wooden and frame tackle
18
A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be stored ready to don. In the
over-the-head method, the backpack straps should be arranged so that they do not
interfere with grasping the cylinder or backplate. The firefighter should put the
protective hood on, pull it back, button the turnout coat, and turn the collar up so
that the shoulder straps do not hold the collar down.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
there is a procedure for donning a SCBA.
b.
the cylinder gauge is attached to the backplate.
c.
backpack straps are sewn into the turnout coat to support the cylinder.
d.
the protective hood protects the firefighter’s ears, neck, and face from
extreme heat.
8
19
Building collapse may occur as a result of fire, weather conditions, earthquake, or
simply because an old or otherwise weak structural component fails. The
difficulty encountered in reaching a victim in a collapsed building depends upon
conditions that are found. Immediate rescue of surface and lightly trapped
victims should be accomplished first. Rescue of a heavily trapped victim is a
more complicated endeavor and requires more time. This type of rescue depends
upon the services of specially trained rescue workers who have knowledge of
building construction and collapse and who are proficient in the use of special
rescue tools and equipment.
According to information in the paragraph, what should be done first in the event
of a building collapse?
a.
Train workers in building collapse and rescue procedures.
b.
Prepare special rescue tools and equipment for immediate use.
c.
Rescue lightly trapped victims.
d.
Crib or shore to prevent further collapse of the building.
20
Water alone is not always effective as an extinguishing agent. Under certain
circumstances, foam in needed. Fire fighting foam (especially the low-expansion
foam) is especially effective on the two basic categories of flammable liquids:
hydrocarbon fuels and polar solvents.
According to information in the paragraph, what type of foam is most effective on
flammable liquids?
a.
low-expansion foam
b.
an extinguishing agent
c.
anti-polar solvent foam
d.
fire fighting foam
21
The term pressure, in connection with fluids, has a very broad meaning.
Technically, pressure is defined as force per unit of area. In fire service terms,
we most commonly think of pressure as the velocity of water in a conduit (either
pipe or hose) of a certain size. Pressure, in the fire service sense, is measured in
pounds per square inch (psi). It is essential to identify and understand the kinds of
pressure with which the fire service is concerned: static pressure, normal
operating pressure, residual pressure, and flow pressure.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
force per unit of area is measured in psi.
b.
the velocity of water in a conduit is called static pressure.
c.
flow pressure and residual pressure are measured by special fire service
equipment.
d.
normal operating pressure is concerned with water pressure rather than the
velocity of water.
9
22
An EMT-Basic does not diagnose or treat illness or injury, but performs
assessment-driven interventions. During assessment and reassessment, the EMTBasic determines the need and appropriate timing for interventions and
continually evaluates their effectiveness. Life-threatening assessment findings
require immediate intervention. Transportation is an intervention. Scene
assessment, patient assessment, and the resulting interventions are continuous –
not just a one-time event. The EMT-Basic’s ability to form a general impression
and to develop a plan of action is essential assessment skills that allow early
initiation of appropriate interventions including transport.
According to information in the paragraph, interventions are
a.
performed after appropriate patient assessment and diagnosis of an illness
or injury.
b.
actions that the EMT-Basic performs in response to forming a general
impression and assessment of the patient.
c.
required for transporting a patient with a life-threatening condition.
d.
planned at the time of reassessment.
23
In the prehospital setting, the EMT-Basic may come into contact with patients
who have a communicable disease. A communicable disease is one that can be
passed or communicated from one organism to another. Often, there is no
indication that a disease is communicable. When the EMT-Basic either is told or
suspects that a patient has a communicable disease, treatment priorities remain
unchanged. However, additional steps may need to be taken to protect the EMS
crewmembers and to ensure that the disease is not spread to family members,
other patients, or healthcare workers.
According to information in the paragraph, care for a patient with a
communicable disease
a.
indicates the need for the EMT-Basic to disregard treatment priorities.
b.
should prevent family members from contacting the patient.
c.
does not change treatment priorities.
d.
includes identifying the organism responsible for the disease.
24
The possibility of exposure to dangerous by-products of combustion should not be
overlooked when dealing with trash and dumpster fires. In many cases, the
contents of the trash pile or dumpster may include hazardous materials or plastics
that give off highly toxic smoke and gases. For this reason, full personal
protective equipment and SCBA should be worn when attacking all rubbish fires.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
full personal protective equipment decreases the possibility of exposure to
dangerous by-products of combustion.
b.
dumpster fires involve more plastic-causing toxic smoke than trash pile
fires.
c.
rubbish fires, trash pile fires, and dumpster fires are equally dangerous.
d.
hazardous materials can be found in trash piles.
10
25
The portable fire extinguisher, one of the most common fire protection appliances
in use today, is found in fixed facilities and on fire apparatus. A portable fire
extinguisher is excellent to use on incipient fires. In many cases, a portable
extinguisher can extinguish a fire in much less time than it would take to deploy a
hoseline.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
hoseline deployment is necessary to back up use of a portable fire
extinguisher.
b.
a fixed facility may choose to use portable fire extinguishers for its
primary fire protection.
c.
incipient fires can be readily extinguished by a portable fire extinguisher.
d.
fire apparatus carry either hoselines or portable fire extinguishers.
26
No two automobile accidents are the same. Often, the ones that look the simplest
are the most difficult with which to deal. With these points in mind, the EMTBasic should know the basic principles of automobile extrication. Imagination,
ingenuity, and determination are the key ingredients in a successful extrication.
All of the tools that are available are useless unless the EMT-Basic knows their
basic functions and is able to adapt them to fit the particular situation. It takes
constant training to develop and maintain the skills necessary to perform the tasks
of automobile extrication.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
automobile extrication requires planning and training to be successful.
b.
training in automobile extrication should include disentanglement.
c.
a basic principle of automobile extrication is constant training.
d.
special extrication tools are required to perform basic extrication
functions.
27
A cast-in-place concrete building is built on site, floor by floor. Steel reinforcing
rods and wires are strategically placed inside wood forms, which act as molds to
shape the poured concrete into floors and columns. When completed, the cast-inplace structure is one solid concrete structure reinforced by steel. The hardened
concrete provides the compressive strength to the structure, and the steel
reinforcement supplies the tensile strength to the concrete.
According to information in the paragraph, what is reinforced by steel?
a.
the cast-in-place concrete building
b.
strategically placed wood molds
c.
tensile strength of the concrete
d.
compressive strength of the structure
11
28
Aluminum ladders usually require less maintenance than wood ladders because
wood requires an artificial coating to protect its exterior. Also, it is sometimes
difficult for a firefighter to perform a visual maintenance inspection of wooden
ladders, because pitch pockets, knots, nodes, and other defects may sometimes be
concealed.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
a wood ladder conceals its exterior artificial coating.
b.
knots are defects found in wooden ladders.
c.
firefighters inspect aluminum ladders for pitch pockets.
d.
it is necessary for a visual inspection prior to performing ladder
maintenance.
29
The water supply for sprinkler systems is designed to supply only a fraction of the
sprinklers actually installed on the system. If a large fire should occur or if a pipe
breaks, the sprinkler system will need an outside source of water and pressure to
do its job effectively. This additional water and pressure can be provided by a
pumper that is connected to the fire department connection.
According to information in the paragraph, what can supply a sprinkler system
with water in the event of a broken pipe?
a.
installed sprinklers
b.
increased pressure from an outside water source
c.
a pumper
d.
a fire department water system connection.
30
Emergency medical services (EMS) can scientifically defend or justify very little
of what is done in the prehospital environment, particularly at the advanced life
support (ALS) level. As scarce healthcare dollars are diverted more and more to
medical initiatives than can scientifically justify their value, the future of
prehospital ALS seems less and less certain. Although it seems clear that a need
for basic life support (BLS) emergency care and transportation service will
always exist, continued justification of ALS service will become more difficult.
A new EMS model, based on an all-BLS approach, may very well be the EMS
model of the future.
According to information in the paragraph, one can anticipate the disappearance
of prehospital ALS service
a.
because BLS generates more capital.
b.
unless major scientific justification can be established.
c.
transportation needs exclude prehospital ALS service.
d.
based on the current all-BLS EMS model.
12
31
Many EMTs use aids to support their backs, ranging from heavy-duty belts that
are worn on or inside the pants to back braces. Commercial back braces are
designed to support the backs of people who do a significant amount of standing
or lifting during their work. Gone are the old-fashioned braces of leather and
buckles. EMTs today use lightweight, yet strong, fabrics with Velcro® closures to
supplement their back muscles.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
heavy-duty belts often are made of leather and buckles.
b.
the Velcro® company produces many types of commercial back braces.
c.
EMTs use strong fabrics to support their backs.
d.
back braces are intended for use by EMTs who do a significant amount of
lifting.
32
The process of coupling hose is, for the most part, a simple process of fastening
together the male and female hose couplings. The need for speed and accuracy
under emergency conditions requires that specific techniques for coupling hose be
developed. When coupling two sections of hose, keep the flat sides of the hose in
the same plane. This practice makes it easier to handle and load the hose.
Nozzles may be attached to the hose by using the same methods as when coupling
two sections of hose together.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
the process of coupling hose is similar to attaching a nozzle to the hose.
b.
male and female hose couplings increase the speed for coupling hose.
c.
flat sides of two sections of hose are usually in the same plane.
d.
the process of coupling hose makes it easier to load under an emergency
condition.
33
Topography refers to the lay of the land and has a decided effect upon fire
behavior. The steepness of the slope affects both the rate and direction of the
spread. Fires will usually move faster uphill than downhill and the steeper the
slope, the faster the fire will move. Other topographical factors influencing
wildland fire behavior are: slope aspect, local terrain features, and canyons (or
other areas with wind flow restrictions).
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
wind factors influence wildland fire behavior by increasing rate of spread.
b.
a steep slope will cause a wildland fire to move slowly uphill.
c.
slope aspect is the direction the slope faces.
d.
a wildland fire moves faster as the slope becomes steeper.
13
34
A fire hazard may be defined as a condition that will encourage a fire to start or
will increase the extent or severity of the fire. In order to prevent a situation from
becoming hazardous, the fuel supply, heat source, and oxygen supply must be
considered. If any one of these can be eliminated, a fire cannot occur. The
oxygen supply hazard is normally present in the air, and very little control can be
maintained over the oxygen supply except in special cases. Fuel supply and heat
source hazards are more readily controlled than the oxygen supply hazard. If heat
sources are kept separated from fuel supplies, the condition will be safe
indefinitely. Some fuel supplies may be easily ignited, and they may have some
characteristics that make them dangerous from a fire safety standpoint. Any heat
source may be dangerous.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
fuel supply is the most important contributing factor to create a fire
hazard.
b.
the heat source is most difficult to keep separated from fuel supplies.
c.
the oxygen supply hazard is more readily controlled than the heat source
and fuel supply.
d.
a fire hazard is a condition that will increase the extent of the fire.
35
The half hitch is particularly useful in stabilizing tall objects that are being
hoisted. The half hitch is always used in conjunction with another knot. For
example, when hoisting a pick-head axe, a half hitch is used around the handle; a
clove hitch, timber hitch, or girth hitch is tied around the axe head. The half hitch
is formed by making a round turn around the object. The standing part of the rope
is passed under the round turn on the side opposite the intended direction of pull.
According to information in the paragraph, the half hitch
a.
may be used with a bowline knot to hoist objects, such as a pick-head axe.
b.
is formed by the standing part of the rope.
c.
stabilizes tall objects that are being hoisted.
d.
is a knot commonly used by firefighters for hoisting equipment.
36
Local protocols or treatment guidelines will usually identify which burns are
considered critical burns. For example, more than 20% BSA of partial-thickness
or full-thickness burns are typically considered to be critical, which requires
special management. In addition, burns that involve the hands, feet, or genital
region are usually considered critical burns. This assumption is based on the high
use of these areas and their importance in every day function.
According to information in the paragraph, critical burns
a.
can be partial-thickness or full-thickness burns.
b.
occur in more than 20% of all burn injuries.
c.
are treated according to local guidelines.
d.
should be treated at a burn center, as identified in local protocols.
14
37
There are serious considerations when a helicopter arrives at the landing zone.
First, never approach a helicopter unless specifically requested to by the flight
crew. Always approach from the front where the pilot can see you. Never
approach from behind where the tail rotor is located. The tail rotor is usually 3 to
6 feet off the ground and spins so fast you cannot see it. Accidentally walking
into a tail rotor can be fatal.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
there are 3 to 6 members of the flight crew, including the pilot.
b.
the tail rotor of the helicopter can be seen from the front of the aircraft.
c.
safety of all personnel on the ground is essential.
d.
most helicopter accidents occur at the landing zone.
38
Many substances in the environment are hazardous to humans. Modern
technology, modern manufacturing processes, and modern transportation methods
have put hazardous materials in our lives more often than any other time in the
past.
According to information in the paragraph, the use of “modern” in the paragraph
most likely means
a.
stylish.
b.
breaking with tradition.
c.
present-day.
d.
retrograde.
39
Communication is a form of influence. It involves a relationship in which all
parties play distinct but complementary roles. Effective communication is not
unilateral, in which one person is active while the other is passive.
According to information in the paragraph, the use of “unilateral” in the
paragraph most likely means
a.
one sided only
b.
reciprocal
c.
interesting
d.
equitable
40
A variety of equipment may be used in conjunction with power plants and
lighting equipment. Electrical cables or extension cords are necessary to conduct
electric power to portable equipment. The most common sized cable is the 12gauge, 3-wire type. The cord may be stored in coils, on portable cord reels, or on
fixed automatic rewind reels.
According to information in the paragraph, electrical cables or extension cords are
stored to be
a.
insulated.
b.
immediately available when needed.
c.
waterproofed.
d.
available for inventory.
15
41
When ladders are raised into place, they should be at an angle that is safe and easy
to climb. The distance of the butt end from the building establishes the angle
formed by the ladder and the ground. If the butt is too close to the building, the
ladder’s stability is reduced, and when it is climbed, the tip of the ladder may be
pulled away from the building. If the butt is too far from the building, the loadcarrying capacity of the ladder is reduced, and the ladder may also slip away from
the building.
According to information in the paragraph, the distance of the butt end of the
ladder from the building
a.
is determined by division of angles.
b.
increases load-carrying capacity.
c.
is important to the climber’s safety.
d.
determines the type of ladder to be climbed.
42
The success or failure of the fire fighting team often depends upon the skill and
knowledge of the personnel involved in initial attack operations. A well-trained
team of firefighters with an attack plan and an adequate amount of water, properly
applied, will contain most fires in their early stages. Failure to make a wellcoordinated attack on a fire can permit or allow the fire to gain headway and get
out of control. Loss of control of the fire can result in increased damage, as well
as further endangerment to firefighters and civilians alike.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
poorly trained firefighters are most often responsible for losing control of
fires.
b.
a fire can overwhelm initial attack operations and cause a well-coordinated
attack to fail.
c.
most fires can be contained by an attack plan.
d.
civilians may become endangered when firefighters lose control of a fire.
43
Performing proper salvage and overhaul is one of the most effective means of
building “goodwill” within the community. A fire department often receives
words of appreciation and praise by the news media for good salvage and
overhaul operations. Salvage operations consist of those methods and operating
procedures allied to fire fighting that aid in reducing fire, water, and smoke
damage during and after fires. Overhaul operations consist of the search for and
extinguishment of hidden or remaining fires; placing the building, its contents,
and the fire area in a safe condition and protecting them from the elements;
determining the area of origin and cause of the fire; and recognizing and
preserving any evidence of arson.
According to information in the paragraph, salvage and overhaul operations
a.
may delay fire attack.
b.
should begin before or at the same time fire attack is initiated.
c.
is best for community relations, but not necessarily in the best interests
of building owners.
d.
can be performed simultaneously.
16
44
An important part of conducting home inspections is the firefighter’s knowledge
of residential smoke detectors. The firefighter must have the ability to educate the
homeowner of the advantages and proper use of smoke detectors. Smoke
detectors greatly reduce the response time to a fire situation, especially during
sleeping hours. This factor is a key to increasing the resident’s chance of safely
exiting the home in a fire situation.
According to information in the paragraph, what increases the resident’s chance
of safely exiting the home in a fire situation?
a.
advantages of residential smoke detectors
b.
reduced response time to a fire situation
c.
knowledge of residential smoke detectors
d.
proper use of residential smoke detectors
45
Enhanced 911 is a new technology that builds on the original principles of 911.
In this type of system, additional computer technology enhances the simplified
public access in regular 911 systems. The dispatcher can see immediately the
street or billing address of the incoming call, based on telephone company
records. This display speeds up the transfer of location information between the
caller and the dispatcher. In addition, it has proven helpful in reducing the
number of false alarms.
According to information in the paragraph, what enhances public access in a
regular 911 system?
a.
additional computer technology
b.
location information between the caller and dispatcher
c.
reduction of false alarms
d.
simplified technology
46
Salvage operations consist of those methods and operating procedures associated
with fire fighting that aid in reducing primary and secondary damage during fire
fighting operations. Primary damage is caused by the fire; secondary damage is
caused by the suppression activities. Both can be minimized through salvage
efforts. Some of these damages cannot be avoided because of the need to perform
forcible entry, apply water, ventilate the building, and search for fires throughout
a structure. Salvage begins as soon as adequate personnel are available and may
be done simultaneously with fire attack. Overhaul operations consist of searching
for and extinguishing hidden or remaining fires. Protecting the scene after the fire
and preserving evidence of the fire’s origin and causes are components of
overhaul. Overhaul operations are not normally started until the fire is under
control.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
salvage operations are performed simultaneously with overhaul
operations.
b.
forcible entry damage can be repaired during salvage operations.
c.
salvage aids in reducing secondary damage during fire fighting operations.
d.
fire cause determination is an important goal of overhaul operations.
17
47
Each firefighter engaged in public prevention efforts such as fire safety surveys
must be capable of meeting with the public and clearly communicating solutions
to problems encountered. Firefighters who exhibit technical confidence convey a
favorable public impression that benefits both the firefighter and the organization
they represent. A firefighter’s ability to judge conditions will improve with study,
experience, and on-the-job training. Skills required to transpose visual
information into written reports and sketches will also improve with time and
practice. The company officer, fire prevention officer, and other individuals from
a wide range of technical backgrounds can provide needed insight on those
occasions when answers to unexplainable situations are required. Firefighters
should have the confidence to ask for the help of the company officer or other
available experts.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
firefighters should practice critical thinking skills.
b.
public fire education is an essential link between the fire department and
the public.
c.
the company officer is empowered to conduct fire safety surveys.
d.
firefighters transpose visual information into written reports.
48
Immobilizing a victim who is suspected of having a spinal injury on a long
backboard requires four rescuers. One rescuer is needed to maintain in-line
stabilization throughout the process, and three rescuers are needed to actually
move the victim to the board. It is critical that the victim with a suspected spinal
injury be moved in such a way to avoid any unnecessary jolting or twisting of the
spinal column. For this reason, the rescuer who applies and maintains in-line
stabilization directs the other rescuers in their actions to ensure that the victim’s
head and body are moved as a unit. When dangers at the scene are lifethreatening to the victim and rescuers, or the victim is not suspected of having a
cervical spine injury and is just being relocated, this process may be performed
with only two rescuers – one to maintain in-line stabilization and one to move the
victim.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
in-line stabilization procedures are directed by the rescuer with the
greatest amount of experience.
b.
five or more rescuers are required to move the victim in a life-threatening
situation.
c.
only two rescuers are required to rapidly extricate a victim.
d.
rescuers should move the victim with a suspected spinal injury as a unit.
18
49
Because of their anatomical and physiological differences, children’s injury
patterns differ from those of adults. During motor vehicle collisions, unrestrained
child passengers tend to sustain head and neck injuries, while restrained
passengers tend to sustain abdominal and lower spine injuries. Head, spine, and
abdominal injuries are common when children are struck by an automobile while
riding a bicycle. The child who has been struck by a vehicle may present with the
combination of head, chest/abdominal, and lower extremity injuries. Other
common injuries include diving injuries with associated head and spinal injuries.
Sports activities also account for a considerable number of musculoskeletal
injuries to children.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
sports activities present with a considerable number of pediatric head
injuries.
b.
restrained child passengers tend to sustain lower spine injuries.
c.
injury patterns in children are often physiologic, not anatomic.
d.
bicycle riders sustain mostly severe injuries when struck by an
automobile.
50
The ability to tie knots is a vital part of fire and rescue operations. Improperly
tied knots can be extremely hazardous to both rescuers and victims. Good knots
should be easy to tie, easy to identify, easy to untie, and strong enough to do the
required job. The methods of selecting and tying knots have changed with the
advent of synthetic material rope. Knots considered safe and acceptable for many
years may no longer be considered safe in some cases. Personnel who were
educated in rope work with manila or other natural fiber ropes must reeducate
themselves in the proper procedures and knots used with the newer ropes. The
newer synthetic rescue rope has a much smoother, slicker outside surface. The
rope is much more likely to slide on itself than natural fibers will.
According to information in the paragraph,
a.
ropes are primarily made of manila and natural fibers.
b.
newer ropes require special handling and storage.
c.
use of synthetic rope is vital to successful fire and rescue operations.
d.
the use of synthetic rope has changed the way knots are tied.
19
Answers
Reading Comprehension Preparation, 2008
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
D
A
A
D
A
C
B
B
C
A
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
D
A
D
D
A
A
C
C
A
B
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
A
A
B
D
C
D
C
A
C
A
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
C
C
D
B
A
C
D
D
B
D
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
A
B
C
D
C
C
A
B
C
B
20