North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What would be a reason for a first responder to hesitate in a medical emergency?

1. Uncertainty of a diagnosis

2. Lack of personal protective equipment

3. Panic among bystanders

4. Unclear instructions from dispatch

The correct answer is: Lack of personal protective equipment

A valid reason for hesitation in a medical emergency is the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). First responders are trained to prioritize their safety before providing care to others. Without adequate PPE, they may face exposure to infectious materials or hazardous environments, which could endanger their health and ability to perform their duties effectively. This concern for safety can cause hesitation as responders must assess the situation and ensure that they are sufficiently protected before intervening in a medical emergency. The other options, although they may contribute to hesitation, do not directly address the immediate physical safety of the responder. Uncertainty of a diagnosis could lead to delays in treatment decisions, panic among bystanders might create a chaotic environment, and unclear instructions from dispatch could cause confusion, but these factors would not pose the same level of immediate physical risk as lacking proper protective gear.