One Day to Study for the NREMT: A Last-Minute Cram Plan

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam is a crucial step in becoming a certified EMT. If you only have one day to study, don’t panic—it’s still possible to maximize your preparation with a focused, strategic approach. This guide will help you prioritize key topics, use high-yield study methods, and boost your confidence before test day one day to study nremt​.

Step 1: Understand the NREMT Exam Structure

Before diving into studying, know what you’re up against:

• Exam Format: Computer-adaptive (gets harder or easier based on your answers).

• Question Count: 70-120 questions (passing depends on competency, not just number correct).

• Time Limit: 2 hours.

• Content Areas:

  • Airway, Respiration & Ventilation (18-22%)

  • Cardiology & Resuscitation (20-24%)

  • Trauma (14-18%)

  • Medical/Obstetrics & Gynecology (27-31%)

  • EMS Operations (10-14%)

Since time is limited, focus on the highest-yield topics first.

Step 2: Prioritize High-Yield Topics

With only one day, you need to study smart, not hard. Focus on:

1. Airway & Breathing (Most Critical!)

• Assessment: Look for signs of respiratory distress (retractions, tripod position, altered mental status).

• Interventions:

  • Oxygen Delivery: Nasal cannula (1-6 LPM), Non-rebreather (10-15 LPM), BVM (15 LPM).

  • Airway Adjuncts: OPA (unconscious, no gag reflex), NPA (conscious or semi-conscious).

  • Suctioning: Always have suction ready for vomit/blood.

2. Cardiology & CPR

• Cardiac Arrest: Follow high-quality CPR (100-120 compressions/min, 2” depth).

• AED Use: Apply as soon as available, follow prompts.

• ACS (Heart Attack) Signs: Chest pain, nausea, sweating, radiating pain (left arm/jaw).

• Stroke (FAST): Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to act!

3. Trauma (Mechanism of Injury Matters!)

• Bleeding Control: Direct pressure → tourniquet (for severe hemorrhage).

• Shock Management: Keep patient warm, elevate legs (if no spinal injury), rapid transport.

• Spinal Immobilization: If MOI suggests spinal injury (fall, MVC), maintain C-spine alignment.

4. Medical Emergencies

• Diabetic Emergencies:

  • Hypoglycemia (low sugar): Confusion, sweating, give oral glucose if conscious.

  • Hyperglycemia (high sugar): Fruity breath, dehydration, needs hospital.

• Seizures: Protect from injury, don’t restrain, give oxygen post-seizure.

• Allergic Reactions: Epinephrine auto-injector for anaphylaxis (EpiPen).

5. OB/GYN (Know Basics!)

• Childbirth: Support head, suction mouth/nose, clamp/cut cord after delivery.

• Breech Birth: Do NOT pull—deliver as is, support baby.

• Pre-eclampsia: High BP, headache, swelling—needs rapid transport.

6. EMS Operations (Safety First!)

• Scene Safety: Always assess before entering (downed wires, violence, hazmat).

• Lifting Techniques: Use legs, not back; partner communication is key.

Step 3: Use Active Recall & Practice Questions

Passive reading won’t cut it—active recall is the best way to reinforce knowledge.

• Take Practice Tests:

  • Use NREMT-style questions (apps like EMT-B Prep, Pocket Prep).

  • Focus on weak areas as you go.

• Flashcards:

  • Key terms: OPA vs. NPA, ACS vs. Stroke, Hypo vs. Hyperglycemia.

Step 4: Mnemonics & Quick Memorization

• SAMPLE History: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading up.

• OPQRST for Pain: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time.

• DCAP-BTLS for Trauma: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling.

Step 5: Test-Day Tips

• Rest & Hydrate: No all-nighters—sleep helps memory.

• Arrive Early: Reduce stress, bring ID.

• Process of Elimination: Eliminate obviously wrong answers first.

• Trust Your Training: Go with your first instinct unless you’re sure it’s wrong.

Final Words

While one day isn’t ideal, this focused approach maximizes your chances. Stick to high-yield topics, practice questions, and trust your EMT training. Good luck—you’ve got this! 🚑