1. Which breathing pattern can be a sign of respiratory distress?
Not quite
Unusually fast or slow breathing can mean a person is having breathing trouble. It is a warning sign, especially when it happens with other symptoms.
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. What is the main sign that a rescue breath is effective?
Not quite
An effective rescue breath should make the chest begin to rise. That shows air is going in.
3. A rescue breath should be given over about ______.
Not quite
A rescue breath should be given over about one second. It should be gentle and only enough to make the chest begin to rise.
4. Noisy breathing can be a sign of respiratory distress.
Not quite
Yes. Noisy breathing is a sign of respiratory distress.
5. A responsive adult is choking and cannot speak. What is the correct first aid approach?
Not quite
For a responsive adult or child who is choking, use back blows and chest thrusts. Do not use abdominal thrusts here.
6. A choking casualty becomes unresponsive. What should you do next?
Not quite
If a choking person becomes unresponsive, send for help and start CPR. This is an emergency and needs immediate action.
7. If a choking casualty becomes unresponsive, CPR should begin after help is sent for.
Not quite
True. Once the person is unresponsive, send for help and start CPR right away.
8. 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. The two actions are alternated while the person remains responsive and choking.
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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.
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