All 7 NREMT-Basic Topics Explained
A complete breakdown of every content area on the NREMT-Basic cognitive exam — what each section covers, how much it's weighted, and how to study effectively for each one.
NREMT-Basic Topic Weights at a Glance
Pediatrics and Geriatrics are integrated across all topic areas rather than tested separately.
Airway, Respiration & Ventilation
18–22%This section tests your ability to manage a patient's airway and ensure adequate breathing. It's one of the two highest-weighted areas on the exam.
Key Areas Tested
- Opening and maintaining the airway (head-tilt/chin-lift, jaw-thrust)
- Suctioning techniques and when to suction
- Oropharyngeal (OPA) and nasopharyngeal (NPA) airway insertion
- Oxygen delivery devices and flow rates
- Bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation technique
- Recognizing and managing respiratory emergencies (asthma, COPD, pneumothorax)
- Pulse oximetry interpretation
Study Tip
Focus on the decision-making: When do you switch from oxygen to BVM? When is suctioning the priority over ventilation? The NREMT tests priorities, not just procedures.
Cardiology & Resuscitation
20–24%The highest-weighted section on the exam. Tests your ability to recognize and respond to cardiac emergencies, perform high-quality CPR, and use an AED.
Key Areas Tested
- Recognizing cardiac arrest and initiating CPR
- High-quality CPR: rate, depth, recoil, and minimizing interruptions
- AED operation and when to use it
- Recognizing signs of stroke (Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale)
- Chest pain assessment and management
- Shock recognition and treatment (hypovolemic, cardiogenic, anaphylactic)
- Assisting with prescribed nitroglycerin and aspirin administration
Study Tip
Know the CPR algorithm cold. Understand the difference between ALS and BLS interventions. The most common mistake is choosing an ALS intervention (like starting an IV) when only BLS options are available at the EMT level.
Trauma
14–18%Covers your ability to assess and manage trauma patients — from bleeding control to spinal immobilization to multi-system trauma.
Key Areas Tested
- Rapid trauma assessment vs. focused assessment
- Controlling life-threatening hemorrhage (direct pressure, tourniquets)
- Spinal motion restriction and when to apply it
- Fracture and dislocation management (splinting principles)
- Burns classification and management
- Head injury assessment and management
- Mechanism of injury interpretation
Study Tip
NREMT trauma questions almost always come down to: What do you do FIRST? The answer usually follows the ABCDE assessment. Massive hemorrhage control (via tourniquet) is now prioritized alongside airway in many protocols.
Medical/OB-GYN & Behavioral
14–18%A broad category covering medical emergencies, obstetric situations, and behavioral/psychiatric crises.
Key Areas Tested
- Diabetic emergencies: hypoglycemia vs. hyperglycemia recognition and treatment
- Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis management (epinephrine auto-injector)
- Poisoning and overdose assessment
- Seizure management
- Obstetric emergencies: imminent delivery, preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancy
- Normal delivery procedure and newborn care
- Behavioral emergency de-escalation and safety
- Altered mental status differential assessment
Study Tip
For medical emergencies, focus on assessment over treatment — the NREMT wants to know that you can recognize what's happening. For behavioral emergencies, scene safety and de-escalation are always the first priorities.
EMS Operations
10–14%Tests your knowledge of scene management, patient transport, triage, and the operational side of emergency medical services.
Key Areas Tested
- Scene safety assessment and hazard recognition
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection
- Incident Command System (ICS) basics
- Triage systems (START triage for mass casualty incidents)
- Transport decisions: when to go emergent vs. non-emergent
- Patient transfer and documentation
- Ambulance operations and safety
Study Tip
EMS Ops questions are often the 'easiest' on the exam because they test standard protocols, not clinical decision-making. Don't skip this section — these are free points if you've reviewed the basics.
Pediatrics
Integrated across all topicsPediatric content is woven throughout the exam rather than being a standalone section. Expect questions that present pediatric patients in airway, cardiac, trauma, and medical scenarios.
Key Areas Tested
- Pediatric assessment triangle (PAT): appearance, work of breathing, circulation
- Pediatric airway management differences (sizing, positioning)
- Pediatric vital sign ranges by age
- Child abuse and neglect recognition (mandatory reporting)
- Pediatric respiratory emergencies (croup, epiglottitis)
- Pediatric dosing and medication considerations
- Infant CPR and AED modifications
Study Tip
The key difference with pediatric patients is anatomy and physiology, not the approach. Use the same ABCDE priorities but adjust for pediatric norms. Know the Pediatric Assessment Triangle — it appears frequently on the exam.
Geriatrics
Integrated across all topicsLike pediatrics, geriatric content is integrated across all exam areas. Questions will present elderly patients with age-specific complications.
Key Areas Tested
- Age-related physiological changes affecting assessment
- Polypharmacy risks and medication interactions
- Fall assessment and injury patterns in the elderly
- Communication challenges (hearing loss, cognitive impairment)
- Elder abuse recognition
- Atypical presentation of common conditions (silent MI, afebrile infection)
- DNR/advance directive considerations
Study Tip
Geriatric patients often present atypically — a heart attack without chest pain, an infection without fever. The NREMT tests whether you know to consider age-related differences in your assessment.
Practice Questions for Every NREMT Topic
NREMT Master AI generates fresh, scenario-based practice questions targeting all 7 content areas. Start free and focus on your weakest topics.
Start Practicing FreeNo credit card required. Covers all 7 topics.