1. Which hand technique is used for chest compressions on an infant?
Not quite
For an infant, chest compressions are done with the two-thumb encircling technique. The other options are not the standard infant compression method.
CPR & Cardiac Emergency Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard, AU & NZ)
Cardiac emergencies are among the most important topics on the pool lifeguard theory exam. This part covers recognising cardiac arrest, performing high-quality CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Under ANZCOR guidance, CPR uses a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for all ages. Topics include high-quality CPR, AED use and safety, and the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest.
Questions last reviewed July 2026 · ANZCOR guidelinesHow our questions are made
What this part of the exam covers
- Recognising cardiac arrest (unresponsive and not breathing normally, or only gasping)
- High-quality CPR: push hard and fast, allow full chest recoil, and minimise interruptions
- The ANZCOR compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for all ages (adults, children, and infants)
- AED concept and prompts: it analyses the rhythm and advises a shock only if needed — turn it on and follow the voice prompts
- AED safety: no one touching the casualty during analysis and shock, dry the chest, and do not use in water
- Heart attack vs cardiac arrest (a heart-attack casualty is usually responsive with chest pain or discomfort)
Practice questions
Choose an answer to test yourself — the explanation appears once you answer.
2. Which situation is more likely to be a heart attack rather than cardiac arrest?
Not quite
A person with a heart attack is usually responsive and may complain of chest pain or discomfort. Cardiac arrest is different because the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
3. When two rescuers are doing CPR on an infant, what ratio should they use?
Not quite
The CPR ratio is 30:2 for all ages, including infants, whether there is one rescuer or more than one. A 15:2 ratio is not used here.
4. No one should be touching the casualty when the AED is analysing the rhythm or delivering a shock.
Not quite
People must not touch the casualty while the AED is analysing the rhythm or delivering a shock. Touching can interfere with analysis and is unsafe during a shock.
5. Which sign best suggests cardiac arrest?
Not quite
Cardiac arrest is suspected when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, or is only gasping. Chest pain alone can happen with a heart attack, but that is different from cardiac arrest.
6. What should you do if the AED does not advise a shock?
Not quite
If the AED does not advise a shock, continue CPR and keep following the voice prompts. The AED may recheck the rhythm later.
7. A single rescuer starts CPR on a child. Which ratio should be used?
Not quite
The CPR ratio is 30:2 for children, adults, and infants. The same ratio is used for single and multiple rescuers in this chapter.
8. What is the best first response if a casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally?
Not quite
Unresponsive and abnormal breathing means you should start CPR and get emergency help and an AED as soon as possible. Waiting, feeding, or sitting the person up delays life-saving care.
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 CPR compression-to-ventilation ratio in Australia and New Zealand?
- Under ANZCOR guidance, the ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths for all ages — adults, children, and infants. Always verify against current ANZCOR guidance and your certification course.
- What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
- A heart attack is usually a circulation problem where the casualty is often responsive with chest pain. Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops effectively pumping and the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- Can you use an AED on a wet casualty or in water?
- No. Move the casualty out of standing water and dry the chest before applying pads, and make sure everyone is clear during analysis and shock. Then follow the AED's voice prompts.
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)
- Breathing Emergencies & Choking Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)
- First Aid Practice Questions for Pool Lifeguards (AU & NZ)
- Spinal Injury First Aid Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)