1. What should you do early if a casualty is unresponsive?
Not quite
Early help is important. If the casualty is unresponsive, call 000 or direct a bystander to do it straight away.
DRSABCD & Casualty Assessment Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)
Before giving care, a pool lifeguard checks the scene and the casualty. This part of the theory exam is built around the DRSABCD action plan (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation) used across Australia and New Zealand under ANZCOR guidance.
Topics include scene safety, protecting yourself with standard precautions, checking response and breathing, the recovery position, the chain of survival, and recognising shock.
Questions last reviewed July 2026 · ANZCOR guidelinesHow our questions are made
What this part of the exam covers
- Danger — making sure the scene is safe for you, bystanders, and the casualty before approaching
- Response and Send for help — a talk-and-touch check, then summoning help early for an unresponsive casualty
- Airway and Breathing — opening the airway and checking for normal breathing (not just gasping)
- CPR and Defibrillation — the final steps of DRSABCD when the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally
- Standard precautions and infection control (gloves and a barrier device) and the recovery position for an unresponsive casualty who IS breathing
- The chain of survival concept and recognising shock (pale, cool, clammy skin; keep still, keep warm, reassure)
Practice questions
Choose an answer to test yourself — the explanation appears once you answer.
2. A casualty who is breathing normally does not need CPR at that moment.
Not quite
True. CPR is for a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. If breathing is normal, focus on monitoring and appropriate care.
3. What should you do if a casualty is unresponsive but breathing normally?
Not quite
An unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally should be placed in the recovery position, if it is safe to do so. This keeps the airway open and reduces the risk of choking.
4. Which list best matches the Chain of Survival?
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The Chain of Survival means fast, linked actions that improve survival. It includes early recognition and call for help, early CPR, early defibrillation, and advanced care.
5. Which signs can suggest shock?
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Shock can show as pale, cool, clammy skin and rapid breathing. These signs mean the body may not be getting enough blood flow.
6. If a casualty opens their eyes and answers you clearly, they are responding.
Not quite
Yes. A clear answer counts as a response. If the casualty responds, they are not treated as unresponsive at that moment.
7. If a casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR should start before defibrillation is possible.
Not quite
True. CPR starts life support while the defibrillator is being prepared. Use the defibrillator as soon as it is available.
8. Which set of actions best matches the chain of survival?
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The chain of survival is early recognition and call for help, early CPR, early defibrillation, and advanced care. These steps work together to improve survival.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does DRSABCD stand for?
- DRSABCD is the ANZCOR basic life support action plan used in Australia and New Zealand: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation. It is the sequence a lifeguard follows when assessing and caring for a casualty.
- When do you use the recovery position?
- Place an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally (and has no suspected spinal injury) on their side in the recovery/lateral position to help keep the airway clear while you monitor them and wait for the ambulance service.
- What is the chain of survival?
- It is the sequence that gives a cardiac-arrest casualty the best chance: early recognition and call for help, early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advanced medical care.
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