Firefighter I II Exam Questions

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41.

Communication when wearing SCBA, especially at hazmat incidents, is a vital safety issue. At times, the work area of the firefighters in the hot zone may not be in the line of sight of the monitoring team, so radio communications are vital for safe operations. In the event that radio communications fail, then signals may be the only way to communicate effectively. Which of the following is not one of the hand signals that should be designated by the authority having jurisdiction?

  • What is the time?

  • Loss of air supply

  • Loss of suit integrity

  • Loss of radio communications

Correct answer: What is the time?

While the time left in the hot zone is an important part of the safety protocols, there is no need for the entry team to be able to signal for that information. Prior arrangements should have been made for signals using a safety rope or other means to alert team members of the time to leave the hot zone.

Signals that should be designated by the AHJ include:

  • Loss of air supply
  • Loss of suit integrity
  • Responder down
  • Emergency
  • Loss of radio communications
  • All OK

42.

Which composite building material comprises small pieces of wood joined into longer boards using epoxy resins and glues?

  • Finger-jointed timber

  • Medium density fiberboard

  • Particle board

  • Synthetic wood

Correct answer: Finger-jointed timber

Finger-jointed timber is a composite building material composed of small pieces of wood merged to form boards using various types of glue.

Medium-density fiberboard is a composite building material that is a type of laminated wood closely resembling hardwood. It is used for doors and decorative moldings. Particle board is a composite building material composed of small flakes of wood merged together with glue to form boards used for furniture. Synthetic wood is a composite building material composed of recycled plastics to form sheets or boards.

43.

While on the scene of a vehicle accident on a busy roadway what are the general guidelines for maintaining situational awareness to insure fire personnel safety?

  • Look before you move, watch oncoming traffic, walk facing oncoming traffic

  • Walking in the median with the flow of traffic at his/her back

  • Walking beside the roadway with a bright flashlight to warn oncoming traffic

  • Park emergency vehicles in the involved lane and keep warning lights on

Correct answer: Look before you move, watch oncoming traffic, walk facing oncoming traffic

The general guidelines for firefighters at the scene of vehicle accidents on roadways include look before moving, keep an eye on traffic at all times, walk off the side of the road facing the oncoming traffic, and follow local SOPs.

It isn't safe to walk in the median of the highway with the approaching traffic coming from behind. Be careful using a flashlight on a scene of an MVA; the beam of the flashlight may confuse or blind oncoming traffic and create a second accident. Never park the emergency vehicle directly in a lane of travel on a roadway and leave the emergency lights on. It is more likely to cause confusion and blind oncoming motorists.

44.

Which of the following is not one of the three supply hose loads used in the fire service?

  • Reverse lay

  • Accordion load

  • Horseshoe load

  • Flat load

Correct answer: Reverse lay

Reverse lay is a method for deploying a hose, not a specific type of hose load. In the reverse lay, the hose is laid from the fire to the water source. This technique is used primarily for establishing a water supply from a hydrant to the fire scene but is not a standard hose-loading method.

Accordion load is a common hose load where the hose is folded in sections like an accordion, standing on its edge, and placed side by side. The coupling is positioned for easy access when deploying.

Flat load involves placing the hose flat, one layer over the other. It is often used for large-diameter hoses and is ideal for smooth deployment.

Horseshoe load is another widely used method where the hose is laid on its edge in a U-shape, progressing from the outer edges of the hose bed toward the center. 

45.

Organic damage is a type of fire hose damage caused by which of the following? 

  • Mold and mildew

  • High heat and freezing temperatures

  • Cracking

  • Solvent actions

Correct answer: Mold and mildew

Organic damage to fire hoses is caused by mold and mildew, which grow in damp, poorly ventilated conditions. This type of damage weakens the hose materials over time, making them less effective during firefighting operations.

Thermal damage occurs when the hose is exposed to extreme temperatures such as high heat or freezing, which can degrade the materials. Cracking is usually associated with age-related wear or damage from excessive drying and exposure to UV light. Chemical damage results from exposure to solvents or other corrosive substances that break down the materials in the hose.

46.

In regard to a firefighter’s right of entry to a premise, which of the following statements is true?

  • Firefighters have the right to enter a premise when responding to an emergency

  • Firefighters have the right to enter a premise for investigational purposes once scene control has been relinquished

  • Firefighters must have the owner’s permission to enter a premise when responding to an emergency

  • Firefighters have the right to enter a premise for up to 7 days after the fire has been extinguished

Correct answer: Firefighters have the right to enter a premise when responding to an emergency

It is true that firefighters have the right to enter a premise when responding to an emergency. Once the scene control has been relinquished, firefighters must obtain the owner’s permission, a search warrant, or an exigent circumstance must occur (i.e., rekindle of the fire).

Firefighters do not have the right to enter a premise for investigation purposes once scene control has been relinquished.  Firefighters do not need the owner’s permission to enter a premise when responding to an emergency. Firefighters do not have the right to enter a premise for up to 7 days after the fire has been extinguished.

47.

Most firefighters are very physically fit and routinely exercise. However, the prolonged exposure to smoke and other chemicals, as well as the heat stress from repeated high-temperature environments, can cause the medical problem responsible for the leading cause of death for active firefighters. Which of the following is the leading cause of death among all active firefighters?

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • On the Job injuries

  • Lung cancer

Correct answer: Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction, are the leading cause of death for active duty firefighters. It is thought to be directly related to exposure to smoke and chemicals, heat stress from fire and high temperatures, psychological stress, and long, irregular work hours. Firefighters can combat the possibility by eating properly, getting plenty of rest when possible, and heart smart exercising.

COPD is caused by exposure to smoke and fire conditions. However, the incidence of chronic lung disease, including lung cancer, has been on a steady decrease since the implementation of improved breathing apparatus for firefighters and regulations regarding the use of the protective gear.  

The incidence of lung cancer is on a steady decrease since the advent of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and the strict rules that now require their use.

On the job injuries are often attributed to lack of training, accountability and discipline and a lack of fitness. Firefighter deaths due to injuries are far surpassed by the number of deaths attributable to chronic illness.

48.

If firefighters use a pike pole to break a window, where should the firefighters position themselves?

  • Upwind and higher than the window

  • Downwind and higher than the window

  • Upwind and lower than the window

  • Downwind and lower than the window

Correct answer: Upwind and higher than the window

When firefighters break a window with a pike pole, they should position themselves upwind and higher than the window to minimize the risk of injury. Being upwind keeps them away from smoke or toxic gases that may escape, while standing higher than the window prevents falling glass from sliding down the pike pole toward the firefighters.

Positioning downwind or lower than the window increases the risk of exposure to hazardous conditions, such as smoke, toxic gases, or falling debris. Being downwind can expose firefighters to smoke and harmful gases, and standing lower puts them at risk of falling glass.

49.

When dealing with safety and community risk, hazards can be broadly categorized as fire hazards and safety hazards. Safety hazards include unsafe behaviors and conditions that are the result of which of the following?

  • Open burning

  • Smoking

  • Cooking

  • Operating electrical equipment

Correct answer: Open burning

Safety hazards are identified as unsafe behaviors and conditions that can result in injury, death, or property damage.  

Smoking, cooking, or normally operating electrical equipment are not, by and of themselves, safety hazards.

50.

Which of the following is not a communicable disease against which firefighters are regularly immunized?

  • Hepatitis A

  • Hepatitis B

  • Measles

  • Influenza

Correct answer: Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is not a form of hepatitis against which firefighters are normally immunized.

Hepatitis B, measles, tetanus, and influenza are all immunizations that may be normally required by the fire department for all firefighters.

51.

A firefighter with the appropriate level of training who is tasked with supervising and coordinating other firefighters under the supervision of a company office is termed by NFPA 1001 to be which of the following?

  • Firefighter II

  • Incident commander

  • Senior firefighter

  • Certified firefighter

Correct answer: Firefighter II

NFPA 1001 establishes classifications or levels of training of firefighters, Firefighter I and Firefighter II. These classifications are achieved by gaining the proper level of certification through training and by evidence of skills performance.  A Firefighter II performs more complex tasks and may assume or transfer command within the ICS system.

The incident commander is usually an officer who has formally assumed command of an incident.

Seniority may be a factor in some instances in assigning duties but is not considered in the NFPA 1001 system of classifications

Firefighter certifications are generally issued by the state in which the firefighter lives and works and has no bearing on NFPA firefighter classifications.

52.

On the scene of a structure fire, who determines where and from what direction the initial interior fire attack will be made?

  • The incident commander or supervisor

  • The pump operator

  • The senior firefighter

  • The ranking officer

Correct answer: The incident commander or supervisor

The incident commander (IC) is responsible for determining the strategy, including where and from what direction the initial interior fire attack will be made. The IC coordinates overall fire ground operations and makes decisions based on safety, available resources, and fire behavior. Depending on the department's structure, a supervisor could also make these decisions in some situations.

The pump operator focuses on apparatus operation, ensuring water supply and correct pressure, but does not decide on fire attack strategies. The senior firefighter may have experience but does not make strategic decisions unless acting in a command role. The ranking officer might be the IC, but simply being the highest-ranking person on the scene doesn’t automatically place them in command unless assigned as the IC.

53.

During extrication, a firefighter needs to maintain safe working distances using the 5-10-12-18-20 rule. What should a firefighter keep 5 inches away from?

  • Side-impact airbags

  • Driver frontal airbags

  • Side-impact curtains

  • Passenger frontal air bags

Correct answer: Side-impact airbags

In regard to the 5-10-12-18-20 extrication rule, firefighters should keep 5 inches away from the side-impact airbags. Firefighters should also keep 5 inches away from knee bolsters.

Firefighters should keep 10 inches away from driver frontal airbags, 12-18 inches away from side-impact curtains, and 20 inches away from passenger frontal airbags.

54.

The boots firefighters wear as protective footwear protect them from puncture wounds, crushing wounds, scalding water, and burns. What can the shell of firefighting boots be made of?

  • Rubber, leather, or other water-resistant material

  • Rubber or nylon

  • Leather or nylon

  • Nylon or steel-reinforced material

Correct answer: Rubber, leather, or other water-resistant material

The shell of firefighting boots may be made from rubber, leather, or other water-resistant materials. These materials are chosen for their durability, water resistance, and ability to protect against physical hazards like sharp objects and heat. Rubber provides excellent water resistance and insulation from heat, while leather offers flexibility and breathability combined with strong protective properties. Other advanced water-resistant materials are also used to improve comfort and protection in different firefighting environments.

Nylon alone does not offer sufficient protection against punctures or heat, though rubber is used for its water resistance. Steel reinforcement is typically used in the toe caps or soles, not in the outer shell of the boots.

55.

If a firefighter is using a combination ladder, what type of ladder is being used?

  • A ladder that can be an A-frame, single, or extension ladder

  • A collapsible ladder with a single section

  • A ladder that is straight with folding hooks at the top

  • A ladder with two sections that can be adjusted to a desired height

Correct answer: A ladder that can be an A-frame, single, or extension ladder

A combination ladder is versatile and can be configured in multiple ways, including an A-frame ladder (self-supporting stepladder), a straight single ladder, or an extension ladder. This flexibility makes it suitable for different operational needs depending on the situation.

A collapsible ladder with a single section refers to a folding ladder, which is compact and used for limited spaces but lacks the multi-functionality of a combination ladder. A straight ladder with folding hooks is a roof ladder, specifically designed to hook onto the peak of a roof for stability. An extension ladder has two or more sections that slide to adjust to various heights but cannot function in multiple configurations like a combination ladder.

56.

APIE is a four-step problem-solving approach used by Incident Commanders at hazardous materials incidents. The acronym APIE represents which of the following?

  • Analyze, Plan, Implement, Evaluate

  • Assess, Prioritize, Intervene, Evacuate

  • Action, Preserve, Improve, Evolve

  • Arrive, Process, Initiate, End

Correct answer: Analyze, Plan, Implement, Evaluate

The acronym APIE represents analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate. The first step of the APIE problem-solving approach is to analyze the situation, then plan the appropriate response, implement the incident action plan, and evaluate the progress.

The four-step problem-solving approach acronym APIE does not represent assess, prioritize, intervene, evacuate, action, preserve, improve, evolve, or arrive, process, initiate, and end.

57.

The four categories of notification appliances are audible, visual, textual, and tactile. Which of the following is an example of a tactile notification appliance?

  • Vibration

  • Text

  • Flashing light

  • Speaker

Correct answer: Vibration

Vibration is a tactile notification appliance. Tactile notification appliances indicate an emergency through sense of touch.

Text is a textual notification appliance. Flashing light is a visual notification appliance. Speaker is an audible notification appliance.

58.

You are faced with a heavy steel door on a commercial structure that is heavily involved in fire. You are charged by the incident commander to make forcible entry through the door. 

What is the first method you should try?

  • Attempt to open the door in the normal manner

  • Look for a lockbox

  • Kick the door

  • Use a K-tool to force the lock

Correct answer: Attempt to open the door in the normal manner

The first step when making forcible entry should always be to try opening the door in the normal manner, such as turning the doorknob or operating the locking mechanism. This can save time if the door is not locked and prevent unnecessary damage.

Looking for a lockbox is a good secondary option if the door is locked, as it may provide a quick way to access the building. Kicking the door is an aggressive and less effective method that should only be used as a last resort, as it may cause injury. Using a K-tool is appropriate if the lock must be removed, but this should only be attempted after confirming that simpler methods won't work.

59.

There are several ways a firefighting foam extinguishes or prevents ignition. Which method creates a barrier between the fuel gases and possible ignition sources?

  • Separating

  • Cooling

  • Smothering

  • Penetrating

Correct answer: Separating

Separating is the firefighting foam method that creates a barrier between fuel gases and possible ignitions sources.

Cooling is the firefighting foam method that lowers the fuel’s temperature. Smothering is the firefighting foam method that prevents air from reaching the fuel and releasing flammable vapors. Penetrating is the firefighting foam method that reduces water’s surface tension and allows it to diffuse class A fires.

60.

When should a firefighter crawl during a search?

  • When a firefighter cannot see their feet

  • When a firefighter is removing a victim

  • When a firefighter sees a significant amount of smoke

  • When a firefighter encounters extreme heat

Correct answer: When a firefighter cannot see their feet

A firefighter should crawl during a search when visibility is low, particularly when they cannot see their feet. Reduced visibility often indicates poor conditions, such as smoke accumulation or darkness, which increases the likelihood of hazards at lower levels. Crawling keeps the firefighter closer to the ground, where there is usually better visibility, cooler temperatures, and less toxic smoke.

A firefighter does not need to crawl when removing a victim if visibility and heat conditions allow for upright movement, as speed may be prioritized. Seeing a small amount of smoke may not necessitate crawling unless visibility is significantly reduced. While extreme heat is a condition that might require crawling to avoid thermal injury, the primary reason is typically reduced visibility.