1. Which breathing pattern is most concerning?
Not quite
Unusually slow breathing can be a warning sign of a breathing emergency. Steady, comfortable breathing is not the concern here.
Breathing Emergencies & Choking Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)
This part of the pool lifeguard theory exam covers breathing emergencies — from respiratory distress to respiratory arrest and choking. These are common and can become life-threatening quickly.
Topics include the signs of respiratory distress, rescue breaths, and choking care. Note that under ANZCOR guidance, choking is managed with back blows and chest thrusts — abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich manoeuvre) are not recommended.
Questions last reviewed July 2026 · ANZCOR guidelinesHow our questions are made
What this part of the exam covers
- Signs of respiratory distress and respiratory arrest (not breathing normally, though a pulse may be present)
- The rescue-breath concept and getting an effective seal with a resuscitation mask / barrier device
- Common causes: asthma, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), and the drowning process
- Choking in a responsive adult or child: back blows and chest thrusts (ANZCOR does not recommend abdominal thrusts)
- Choking in an infant: back blows and chest thrusts
- What to do when a choking casualty becomes unresponsive: send for help and begin CPR
Practice questions
Choose an answer to test yourself — the explanation appears once you answer.
2. How long should one rescue breath take to give?
Not quite
A rescue breath should take about one second. Give just enough air for the chest to begin to rise.
3. Which action is correct for a choking infant?
Not quite
A choking infant should be treated with back blows and chest thrusts. The other options do not clear the airway.
4. How many back blows and chest thrusts are used in the choking sequence for a responsive adult or child?
Not quite
The sequence is up to five back blows and up to five chest thrusts. This cycle is repeated while the person remains responsive and choking.
5. A responsive adult is choking and cannot cough or speak well. What should you do?
Not quite
For a responsive choking adult or child, use up to five back blows followed by up to five chest thrusts. Do not use abdominal thrusts in this situation.
6. A good seal with a barrier device helps rescue breaths work better.
Not quite
True. A good seal helps deliver air more effectively during rescue breathing.
7. A choking casualty who becomes unresponsive should be left sitting upright while waiting for help.
Not quite
False. If the casualty becomes unresponsive, you send for help and begin CPR.
8. Which is a common cause of breathing emergencies?
Not quite
Asthma is a common cause of breathing emergencies. The other options do not usually affect breathing.
Practice all 11 topics free
Create a free account for the full question bank, daily practice sessions, progress tracking, and full mock exams.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between respiratory distress and respiratory arrest?
- Respiratory distress means a person is having difficulty breathing but is still breathing. Respiratory arrest means normal breathing has stopped, although a pulse may still be present.
- How is choking managed under ANZCOR guidance?
- For a responsive choking casualty, ANZCOR uses back blows and chest thrusts and does not recommend abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich manoeuvre). Confirm the current technique with your certification course.
- What should you do if a choking casualty becomes unresponsive?
- Lower them safely, send for help if not already done, and begin CPR. Follow your course's current ANZCOR-based guidelines.
More pool lifeguard exam topics
- Professional Pool Lifeguard Practice Questions (AU & NZ)
- Aquatic Facility Safety Practice Questions for Pool Lifeguards
- Surveillance & Victim Recognition Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)
- Injury Prevention Practice Questions for Pool Lifeguards
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Practice Questions for Pool Lifeguards
- Water Rescue Practice Questions for Pool Lifeguards
- DRSABCD & Casualty Assessment Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)
- CPR & Cardiac Emergency Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard, AU & NZ)
- First Aid Practice Questions for Pool Lifeguards (AU & NZ)
- Spinal Injury First Aid Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)