1. A swimmer is cold, shivering, and moving slowly after being in cool water. What should you do?
Not quite
Cold casualties should be warmed gradually and protected from further heat loss. Do not warm them suddenly or rub them hard.
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.
2. A casualty has a bleeding cut on the arm. What is the first thing you should do to help control the bleeding?
Not quite
Firm direct pressure helps slow or stop external bleeding. A clean dressing helps keep pressure on the wound. Ice is not the first choice, and waiting can waste time.
3. For how long should a burn be cooled with cool running water?
Not quite
Cool running water for about 20 minutes is the standard first-aid treatment for burns. Shorter cooling times are usually not enough.
4. A person faints and then wakes up quickly. What is a sensible first-aid response?
Not quite
After fainting, keep the person lying down and monitor them. If they recover quickly, watch for further signs of illness.
5. Which sign suggests heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion?
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Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can cause confusion, collapse, or loss of normal thinking. Heat exhaustion is usually less severe and often includes sweating and tiredness.
6. What is the correct first aid for a burn on the hand?
Not quite
Cool running water lowers the heat in the tissue and limits further damage. Ice can injure the skin and is not recommended.
7. A person has a large burn on the arm. What is the best immediate care?
Not quite
Cooling the burn is the first immediate step. Large burns may need medical care, so they should be assessed after first aid is started.
8. What does FAST stand for when checking for a stroke?
Not quite
FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time. It is used to spot common stroke signs quickly. If stroke is suspected, emergency help is needed fast.
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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.
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)
- CPR & Cardiac Emergency Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard, AU & NZ)
- Spinal Injury First Aid Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)