108+ Free PHECC EMT Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: PHECC EMT Exam

100

MCQ Questions

PHECC

80 mins

Exam Time

PHECC

80%

Passing Score

PHECC

€100

Exam Fee

PHECC

3 years

Credential Validity

PHECC CPC Scheme

15 drugs

Permitted Medications

PHECC CPGs

The PHECC EMT written exam has 100 questions with an 80-minute limit. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 80% to progress to the OSCE practical exam. The written exam focuses heavily on PHECC CPG compliance, patient assessment, and pre-hospital pharmacology.

Sample PHECC EMT Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PHECC EMT exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 108+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the correct initial sequence for the primary survey when assessing an emergency patient according to the PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines?

A.Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation

B.Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure

C.Response, Airway, Danger, Breathing, Circulation

D.Danger, Airway, Breathing, Response, Circulation

Explanation: PHECC guidelines dictate that the primary survey begins with ensuring scene safety (Danger), followed by assessing patient responsiveness (Response), calling for assistance (Send for help), and then evaluating the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). This sequence ensures practitioner safety before patient contact and establishes early requests for support. Other options bypass scene safety or responsiveness assessment.

2When assessing patient responsiveness using the AVPU scale, how is a patient classified who opens their eyes and localises a painful stimulus, but does not respond to verbal commands?

A.Alert

B.Responsive to Voice

C.Responsive to Pain

D.Unresponsive

Explanation: A patient who does not respond to verbal stimuli but reacts to a painful stimulus (such as a trapezius squeeze or supraorbital pressure) by localising or withdrawing from it is classified as 'Responsive to Pain' (P on the AVPU scale). An alert patient is fully awake and interactive. A voice-responsive patient reacts to verbal commands or speech. An unresponsive patient does not react to any stimuli.

3Which of the following is the most clinically accurate method for assessing capillary refill time in an adult patient, and what is its normal limit?

A.Compress the nail bed of a finger for 5 seconds at heart level; normal is less than 2 seconds

B.Compress the forearm skin for 2 seconds above heart level; normal is less than 3 seconds

C.Compress the nail bed of a finger for 2 seconds at heart level; normal is less than 2 seconds

D.Compress the palm of the hand for 5 seconds below heart level; normal is less than 1 second

Explanation: To assess capillary refill time (CRT) accurately, the fingernail bed should be compressed for 2 seconds with enough pressure to cause blanching, held at heart level, and then released. The time taken for normal color to return should be less than 2 seconds. Pressing for 5 seconds is unnecessary and prolonged. Forearm skin compression and palm compression are not standard sites for adult CRT assessment.

4Under PHECC guidelines, which clinical presentation is a primary indication for an EMT to check a patient's blood glucose level?

A.An acute onset of chest pain radiating to the left arm

B.An altered level of consciousness or suspected stroke

C.Isolated musculoskeletal trauma to a lower extremity

D.A mild allergic reaction with localized urticaria

Explanation: Checking blood glucose is indicated for any patient presenting with an altered level of consciousness, confusion, seizures, or a suspected stroke. This is crucial because severe hypoglycemia can mimic stroke symptoms or cause altered mental status, and it is a rapidly reversible condition. Blood glucose measurement is not routinely indicated for isolated orthopedic trauma, localized allergic reactions, or uncomplicated chest pain.

5How should an EMT correct an error made while writing a paper Patient Care Report (PCR) in Ireland?

A.Obscure the error completely using correction fluid or heavy scribbling

B.Draw a single line through the error, write the correction beside it, and initial it

C.Discard the PCR and start a new one to ensure a clean record

D.Erase the error thoroughly using a pencil eraser and write over it

Explanation: For medico-legal integrity, any error on a paper Patient Care Report (PCR) must remain legible under a single line drawn through it. The practitioner must write the correction next to it and initial the change. Obscuring errors with correction fluid, erasing them, or heavily scribbling them out is legally unacceptable. Discarding a PCR is not recommended as all sequentially numbered forms must be accounted for.

6A trauma patient opens their eyes only in response to a painful stimulus, utters incomprehensible sounds, and withdraws from pain. What is their Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score?

A.6

B.8

C.10

D.12

Explanation: The Glasgow Coma Scale is calculated as follows: Eye opening to pain = 2; Verbal response with incomprehensible sounds = 2; Motor response of withdrawing from pain = 4. Adding these components (2 + 2 + 4) yields a GCS of 8. A score of 8 or less indicates severe brain injury or compromise.

7When examining a patient's pupils, what does the term 'consensual light reflex' refer to?

A.Both pupils dilating when a light is shone into one eye

B.The pupil constricting only when the patient looks at a close object

C.The pupil of the opposite eye constricting when light is shone into the other eye

D.The pupil of the illuminated eye constricting while the opposite pupil remains dilated

Explanation: The consensual light reflex is a normal physiological response where shining light into one eye causes the pupil of the opposite, non-illuminated eye to constrict. This demonstrates intact bilateral pathways of the oculomotor nerve (CN III) and optic nerve (CN II). Dilation in response to light is abnormal. Constriction when focusing on a close object is the accommodation reflex.

8In Ireland, pre-hospital practitioners use the IMIST-AMBO format for clinical handovers. What does the 'M' stand for in this acronym?

A.Medications administered

B.Medical history of the patient

C.Mechanism of injury or illness

D.Mental state of the patient

Explanation: IMIST-AMBO stands for: Identification, Mechanism of injury/Medical illness, Injuries/Information, Signs (vital signs), Treatment given, Allergies, Medication, Background (history), and Other information. The 'M' represents 'Mechanism of injury or illness' to establish the primary cause of the patient's presentation. Medications are captured under the second 'M' in AMBO.

9Which of the following findings is indicative of orthostatic (postural) hypotension when reassessing a patient's vital signs from a supine to a standing position?

A.A systolic blood pressure drop of at least 10 mmHg and a heart rate increase of 10 bpm

B.A systolic blood pressure drop of at least 20 mmHg or a diastolic drop of at least 10 mmHg

C.A diastolic blood pressure increase of 20 mmHg with no change in heart rate

D.A heart rate drop of 20 bpm with a corresponding blood pressure increase

Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is clinically defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg, or a drop in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg, within three minutes of standing up from a supine position. This condition indicates hypovolemia or autonomic dysfunction. Rising blood pressure or falling heart rates upon standing are not indicative of orthostatic hypotension.

10What is the primary difference in the focus of the secondary survey between a critical trauma patient and a stable medical patient?

A.A critical trauma patient receives a rapid head-to-toe examination, whereas a stable medical patient receives a focused exam based on their chief complaint

B.A critical trauma patient receives a focused exam, whereas a stable medical patient receives a rapid head-to-toe examination

C.A secondary survey is only performed on trauma patients and is completely omitted for all medical patients

D.A secondary survey is performed during transport for medical patients but must be completed on-scene for all trauma patients

Explanation: For critical trauma patients, the secondary survey is a rapid head-to-toe assessment to identify all life-threatening or major injuries. For a stable medical patient, the secondary survey is focused specifically on the body systems involved in the chief complaint. The secondary survey is not omitted for medical patients, and critical trauma patients should not have transport delayed for a detailed secondary survey on-scene.

About the PHECC EMT Exam

The PHECC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) written examination is a crucial step towards obtaining the National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology (NQEMT) in Ireland. It assesses the candidate's understanding of patient assessment, respiratory care, cardiac arrest management, medical emergencies, trauma management, obstetrics/paediatrics, and professional and ethical operations, strictly based on the PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Passing this exam is a prerequisite for taking the OSCE practical examination.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), 80 minutes

Time Limit

80 minutes

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

€100 (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), Ireland)

PHECC EMT Exam Content Outline

15%

Patient Assessment & Communication

Primary survey, secondary survey, AVPU/GCS scales, vital signs, postural hypotension, clinical handover (IMIST-AMBO), and Patient Care Report (PCR) documentation.

20%

Airway & Respiratory Care

Airway management, oxygen therapy, OPAs/NPAs, i-gel supraglottic airway selection and confirmation, suctioning, nebulised Salbutamol, and BVM ventilation.

15%

Cardiac Care & CPR

Adult and pediatric CPR, AED operation and safety, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) care, suspected ACS protocols, and Aspirin/GTN CPG administration.

20%

Medical Emergencies & Pharmacology

Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline CPGs, hypoglycemia (Glucose Gel/Glucagon), stroke (FAST screen), seizures and status epilepticus, poisoning (Activated Charcoal), and meningitis.

15%

Trauma Management

Hemorrhage control, tourniquets, pelvic fractures (pelvic binders), spinal immobilization (NEXUS/C-Spine rules), scoop stretchers, burns, and orthopaedic splinting.

15%

Obstetrics, Paediatrics, & Operations

Normal emergency delivery, APGAR scoring, neonatal resuscitation (3:1 ratio), obstetric complications, Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), METHANE reporting, and Children First child protection.

How to Pass the PHECC EMT Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80%
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), 80 minutes
Time limit: 80 minutes
Exam fee: €100

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PHECC EMT Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize all EMT-level medication doses, indications, and contraindications (e.g. Aspirin, GTN, Adrenaline, Glucagon).

2Master the primary survey sequence and the patient handover format (IMIST-AMBO).

3Understand i-gel supraglottic airway size selection criteria based on patient weight and the methods used to confirm placement.

4Review the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) and the differences between respiratory distress and failure in children.

5Be familiar with the METHANE report format for declaring major incidents.

6Study neonatal resuscitation CPGs, including the 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio and heart rate thresholds.

7Know the statutory requirements of the Children First Act 2015 regarding mandated reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NQEMT certification?

The National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology (NQEMT) is the official certification for pre-hospital care practitioners in Ireland, awarded by PHECC. The EMT level is the entry-level professional qualification, allowing practitioners to work in emergency and non-emergency transport settings.

How many questions are on the PHECC EMT written exam?

The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each question has four options, and there is only one correct answer.

What is the passing score for the NQEMT written exam?

The pass mark is 80%, meaning you must correctly answer at least 80 out of 100 questions. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

How long do I have to complete the written exam?

You are allowed 80 minutes to complete the written exam. This requires pacing yourself at less than one minute per question.

What happens after I pass the written exam?

Once you pass the NQEMT written exam, you are eligible to progress to the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which is the practical assessment. You must pass both the written and practical exams to be awarded the NQEMT and register with PHECC.

Which guidelines are tested on the exam?

The exam tests the latest PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for EMTs, which cover all patient care and medication administration protocols authorized for EMTs in Ireland.