Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What size oxygen cylinder is typically carried by the AEMT to the patient's side?

1. C cylinder

2. D cylinder

3. E cylinder

4. B cylinder

The correct answer is: D cylinder

The appropriate size of oxygen cylinder typically carried by the AEMT to the patient's side is the D cylinder. This size strikes a balance between portability and sufficient oxygen supply for emergency situations. A D cylinder holds about 350 liters of oxygen, making it compact enough to transport with relative ease while still providing a substantial volume for patient needs during transport or treatment. In emergency medical service settings, the D cylinder is favored because it can sustain oxygen delivery for a longer period compared to smaller cylinders, which may become depleted too quickly in critical scenarios. Alongside factors like weight and ease of handling, the D cylinder's capacity allows AEMTs to manage respiratory conditions effectively without requiring immediate replacement or refill in the field. While the other cylinder sizes listed are used in different contexts, their limitations make them less suitable for immediate patient transportation. The C and B cylinders are smaller and provide less oxygen capacity, while the E cylinder, although larger, can be cumbersome to handle in urgent situations. Thus, the D cylinder is the optimal choice for an AEMT's immediate use during patient care.