NREMT National exam

Try 10 realistic EMT questions aligned with the NREMT National exam.

Answer each question, then click “Check my score” at the bottom of the page. You’ll see your total score plus the correct answers for every item.

How this free practice exam works

This 10-question mini-exam is designed to mirror the style and cognitive level of the NREMT National exam, with a focus on airway, breathing, and circulation, trauma care, medical and obstetric emergencies, pediatrics, and EMS operations.

Choose one answer for each multiple-choice question.
Click “Check my score” to see how you did.
Instant feedback shows which questions are correct or incorrect and reveals the right answers.

This practice content is for preparation only and is not endorsed or approved by the NREMT, any state EMS authority, or testing provider. Always follow current NREMT guidance, your local protocols, and medical direction.

NREMT National exam (10 Questions)

Question 1

You arrive on scene and find an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally but has a carotid pulse. What is the most appropriate initial airway and ventilation intervention?

A. Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute B. Open the airway and provide 1 breath every 5–6 seconds with a bag-valve-mask device C. Apply high-flow oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 15 L/min D. Place the patient in the recovery position with no further intervention

Question 2

A 6-year-old child is in respiratory distress with wheezing, retractions, and difficulty speaking. The parent reports a history of asthma and that the child has already used a prescribed inhaler once today. What is the most important action after ensuring the airway is open?

A. Place the child flat and elevate the legs B. Provide oral fluids to prevent dehydration C. Provide high-flow oxygen and assist with a prescribed bronchodilator per protocol D. Delay treatment until a full set of vital signs is obtained

Question 3

A 32-year-old male was struck in the chest by a baseball. He suddenly collapsed and is now pulseless and apneic. The monitor shows ventricular fibrillation. What is the priority intervention?

A. Start high-quality CPR and deliver an immediate defibrillation shock when the defibrillator is ready B. Administer epinephrine before starting chest compressions C. Provide rescue breaths only for the first 2 minutes D. Place the patient in a left lateral position and transport rapidly without resuscitation

Question 4

You are caring for a 24-year-old pregnant patient in her third trimester who reports severe abdominal pain following a motor vehicle collision. She is pale, cool, and tachycardic. Which action is most appropriate for spinal precautions and positioning during transport?

A. Transport supine on a backboard with no adjustments B. Place the patient in a prone position to relieve pressure on the abdomen C. Sit the patient upright as long as vital signs are stable D. Secure spinal precautions and tilt the backboard slightly to the left to reduce pressure on major blood vessels

Question 5

A 19-year-old male has a large open chest wound on the right side following a stabbing. He is alert but anxious, with rapid respirations and decreased breath sounds on the right. What is the best initial management of the chest wound in the field?

A. Pack the wound tightly with sterile gauze and apply a rigid dressing B. Apply a sterile occlusive dressing secured on three sides to create a flutter valve effect C. Cover the wound loosely with a dry, nonocclusive dressing only D. Leave the wound uncovered to allow air to escape freely

Question 6

You are dispatched for a 54-year-old female with sudden onset chest discomfort, nausea, and shortness of breath. She has a prescription for nitroglycerin and has taken one tablet prior to your arrival with minimal relief. Her blood pressure is 118/72 mmHg, pulse 88, respirations 20. What is the most appropriate action regarding nitroglycerin?

A. Withhold further doses because she has already taken one tablet B. Administer additional tablets until the blood pressure falls below 90 mmHg systolic C. Assist with additional doses per protocol if authorized and no contraindications are present D. Administer nitroglycerin paste instead of tablets for quicker relief

Question 7

You respond to a private residence for a 3-year-old who has ingested an unknown number of iron tablets. The child is awake but vomiting and appears pale. What is the highest priority action after ensuring airway and breathing?

A. Contact medical control or a poison center for treatment guidance and prepare for rapid transport B. Induce vomiting using syrup of ipecac if available C. Give the child milk to dilute the substance D. Delay transport until the exact number of tablets is determined

Question 8

While arriving at a multi-vehicle collision, you see several patients walking around and one patient lying motionless on the roadway. According to standard triage principles for mass-casualty incidents, which patient should be assessed first?

A. A patient who is walking but complaining of arm pain B. A patient who is sitting and holding a small cut on the forehead C. A patient walking and calling out for help finding a child D. The patient lying motionless on the roadway who is not moving or calling out

Question 9

A 72-year-old male with a history of internal bleeding is complaining of abdominal pain and dizziness. He is pale, cool, and diaphoretic with a weak, rapid pulse. Blood pressure is 84/50 mmHg. What is the most appropriate immediate action after initiating oxygen therapy?

A. Give the patient water to sip slowly to maintain hydration B. Place the patient in a position of comfort, keep warm, and transport rapidly to an appropriate facility C. Apply ice packs to the abdomen to control internal bleeding D. Delay transport until the blood pressure improves

Question 10

You are transferring care of a patient from the field to hospital staff. Which information is most important to include in your verbal report?

A. Your personal opinion about the cause of the patient’s condition B. The names of all bystanders who witnessed the incident C. Chief complaint, vital signs, treatment provided, and the patient’s response to interventions D. The travel time from the scene to the hospital and the route used