Key Takeaways
- The CAT format means every question counts — you cannot skip or return to previous questions
- Always prioritize using the ABC approach: Airway first, then Breathing, then Circulation
- Focus on assessment and intervention priorities rather than memorizing isolated facts
- Practice questions in CAT format are the single most effective study method
- Medical math basics include drug calculations, drip rates, and weight-based dosing (kg conversion)
- On the exam, the "most correct" answer is typically the one that addresses the most immediate life threat
Study Strategies & Test-Taking Tips
The NREMT EMT exam tests your ability to make clinical decisions, not just recall facts. Your study strategy should reflect this by focusing on critical thinking, prioritization, and the systematic approach to patient care.
CAT-Specific Strategies
Because the NREMT uses Computer Adaptive Testing, your approach must differ from traditional exams:
- Every question matters equally — The algorithm uses each answer to determine your ability level
- You cannot go back — Once you submit, the answer is final. Read carefully before clicking
- Don't panic if questions seem hard — Harder questions mean you're performing well
- Don't count questions — Whether you get 70 or 120 questions does NOT indicate pass or fail
- Manage your time — You have 2 hours. Aim for about 1 minute per question
- Stay focused — Take brief mental pauses if needed, but keep moving forward
The ABC Approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
The ABC approach is the foundation of emergency medical care and the key to answering most NREMT questions correctly:
| Priority | Assessment | Common Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| A — Airway | Is the airway open and clear? | Head-tilt/chin-lift, jaw thrust, suctioning, OPA/NPA |
| B — Breathing | Is the patient breathing adequately? | Supplemental oxygen, BVM ventilation, positioning |
| C — Circulation | Does the patient have a pulse and adequate perfusion? | CPR, bleeding control, shock management |
On the exam: When multiple answer choices seem correct, choose the one that addresses the highest priority in the ABC sequence. Airway always comes first.
Assessment vs. Intervention Priority
A common exam strategy is understanding when to assess vs. when to intervene:
- Scene safety always comes first — before any patient contact
- Assess before you treat — unless there is an immediately life-threatening condition
- Treat life threats immediately — massive hemorrhage, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest
- Complete a full assessment — primary survey (ABCs), then secondary survey (head-to-toe)
Medical Math Basics
While the NREMT EMT exam has minimal math, you should be comfortable with:
- Weight conversion: 1 kg = 2.2 lbs (divide pounds by 2.2 to get kg)
- Oxygen flow rates: Nasal cannula (1-6 LPM), Non-rebreather mask (10-15 LPM)
- Vital sign ranges: Know normal ranges for adults, children, and infants
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): Eye (1-4) + Verbal (1-5) + Motor (1-6) = 3-15
Top Study Methods
| Method | Effectiveness | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Practice questions | Highest | Simulates exam conditions and tests application |
| Scenario-based study | High | Develops clinical decision-making skills |
| Flashcards | Medium | Good for terminology and vital sign ranges |
| Group study | Medium | Helps explain concepts to others |
| Textbook reading | Lower | Important for foundation but not sufficient alone |
| Re-reading notes | Lowest | Passive learning has limited retention |
Common Question Traps
- "All of the above" — Usually correct when listed, but read all options first
- "Which do you do FIRST?" — Almost always scene safety, then ABCs
- Absolutes ("always," "never") — Usually incorrect unless about safety (e.g., "always ensure scene safety")
- Longest answer — Not always correct on the NREMT; focus on content, not length
- Two similar answers — The correct answer is often one of the two similar options
You arrive on scene to find an unresponsive patient. What is your FIRST action?
In the ABC approach, what does the "B" stand for and what is its priority level?
A patient weighs 176 pounds. What is their approximate weight in kilograms?