1. How deep should child chest compressions be?
Not quite
Child compressions should be about 5 cm deep, or one-third of the chest depth. Compress firmly enough to move blood effectively.
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. A responsive person with chest pain is usually treated as cardiac arrest.
Not quite
A responsive person with chest pain is more likely to have a heart attack than cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest usually involves unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing.
3. When should CPR usually stop during a cardiac emergency?
Not quite
CPR should continue until the casualty recovers or help takes over. Short pauses only happen when needed, such as during AED analysis.
4. What should you do if the casualty's chest is wet before AED use?
Not quite
The chest should be dry before AED pad placement. Moisture can interfere with pad contact and safe use.
5. Which breathing pattern should make you think the casualty may be in cardiac arrest?
Not quite
Only gasping breaths are not normal breathing. In an unresponsive person, gasping is a warning sign of cardiac arrest.
6. For infants, the two-thumb encircling technique is used for chest compressions.
Not quite
Yes. For infant CPR, the two-thumb encircling technique is the standard method for chest compressions. It helps deliver effective compressions.
7. An AED will shock every casualty who collapses.
Not quite
An AED only delivers a shock if it detects a shockable rhythm and advises one. It will not shock every casualty.
8. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for CPR in all ages in New Zealand pool lifeguarding practice?
Not quite
The ratio used for CPR here is 30 compressions to 2 breaths for adults, children, and infants. This stays the same for single and multiple rescuers.
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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.
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