North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What item is essential for breaking tempered glass in rescue operations?

1. Hammer

2. Center punch

3. Screwdriver

4. Glass cutter

The correct answer is: Center punch

In rescue operations, when it comes to breaking tempered glass, using a center punch is essential. The center punch is designed to create a small, focused point of impact. When applied to tempered glass, which is specially treated to be stronger and resist shattering, the center punch effectively induces a concentrated force that allows the glass to break in a controlled manner. Tempered glass is known for being more difficult to break than regular glass, as it is designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. This safety feature can be beneficial in protecting people during accidents, but it presents challenges during rescue operations. With a center punch, the person handling the rescue can create a small fracture in the glass, which often leads to a larger, controlled break, allowing access without risking injury from jagged edges. While hammers, screwdrivers, and glass cutters have their own uses, they are not as effective or safe for breaking tempered glass in emergency situations. Hammers can create uncontrolled breaks and pose a greater risk of injury. Screwdrivers are not designed for shattering glass, and glass cutters can help score and weaken glass but are not reliable for breaking tempered glass effectively. Thus, the center punch stands out as the best tool for this specific task