First Aid Practice Questions for Pool Lifeguards (AU & NZ)

Pool lifeguards handle everyday first aid as well as water emergencies. This part of the theory exam covers care for common sudden illnesses, wounds, burns, and environmental emergencies, grounded in current ANZCOR / first-aid guidance.

Topics include controlling bleeding, burn care, sudden illness, stroke recognition with FAST, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), and heat-related illness.

Questions last reviewed July 2026 · ANZCOR guidelinesHow our questions are made

What this part of the exam covers

  • Controlling external bleeding with firm direct pressure and a clean dressing
  • Burn care: cool the burn with cool running water and do not apply ice
  • Sudden illness: fainting, diabetic emergencies, and seizures
  • Stroke recognition using FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and the role of an adrenaline auto-injector when prescribed
  • Heat-related illness (heat exhaustion vs heat stroke) and cooling care

Practice questions

Choose an answer to test yourself — the explanation appears once you answer.

Australia · ANZCOR guidelines

1. A wound should be checked by a health professional if it is deep, very dirty, or does not stop ________ after pressure is applied.

Australia · ANZCOR guidelines

2. During a seizure, what is the safest action?

Australia · ANZCOR guidelines

3. What does FAST stand for when checking for a possible stroke?

Australia · ANZCOR guidelines

4. A swimmer is stung by a marine creature in an aquatic setting. What should you do?

Australia · ANZCOR guidelines

5. Complete the sentence: For a burn, use cool running water for about ______.

Australia · ANZCOR guidelines

6. Slurred speech and a drooping face can be signs of stroke.

Australia · ANZCOR guidelines

7. How should you cool a fresh burn on the skin?

Australia · ANZCOR guidelines

8. Ice is a good first aid treatment for a burn.

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Frequently asked questions

What does FAST stand for in stroke recognition?
FAST stands for Face (drooping), Arms (weakness), Speech (difficulty), and Time (call for help immediately). It is a quick way to recognise the signs of a stroke.
How should you care for a burn?
Cool the burn with cool running water and cover it loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing. Do not apply ice, butter, or ointments, and seek medical care for serious burns. Confirm the current recommended cooling time with your course.
What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion involves heavy sweating, weakness, and cool, pale skin; heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency with very high body temperature and altered mental status. Heat stroke requires rapid cooling and urgent medical help.

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