North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What tool should be used to enter through a laminated windshield?

1. A pry bar

2. A fire ax

3. A hammer

4. A screwdriver

The correct answer is: A fire ax

A fire ax is the most appropriate tool to use for entering through a laminated windshield. Laminated windshields are designed for safety and are constructed with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between two layers of glass. This makes them resistant to shattering, but they can be breached with a sharp, heavy tool. A fire ax, with its weight and sharp edge, can effectively cut through the layers of the laminated glass, creating an opening for rescue personnel. The design of the fire ax also allows for swift and decisive action, which is crucial in emergency situations where rapid access to a patient is necessary. Using the other tools listed would not be as effective. A pry bar is more suited for prying open doors or panels rather than breaking through tough glass. A hammer might not provide enough force to break through the windshield reliably, and a screwdriver is not designed for this purpose at all, as it would be inadequate for the task of breaking glass. Thus, the fire ax stands out as the best tool for this specific situation.