Are key questions required to be asked in their written order?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for adult patients
• D. It depends on the protocol

Answer: (A)

Key questions are designed to be asked in a fixed, written order to ensure that essential information is gathered consistently and that the call flow triggers the correct instructions and dispatch priorities. Following the prescribed sequence helps the dispatcher quickly identify the most urgent needs, avoids missing critical red flags, and keeps the caller on a predictable path through the protocol.

That is why the best answer is that they should be asked in their written order. If you skip or reorder questions, you risk missing key details or misclassifying the situation, which can delay help or compromise safety.

The other options don’t fit because order applies across the protocol for all callers, not just adults, and while some protocols may have minor variations, the standard practice reinforced by the test is to follow the written sequence.