1. Why is early action important in the chain of survival?
Not quite
Early action improves the chance of survival because help starts quickly. It gives the casualty the best chance, but it does not guarantee recovery.
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. An unresponsive casualty is breathing normally. What should you do?
Not quite
If a casualty is unresponsive but breathing normally, the recovery or lateral position helps keep the airway open. CPR is for a casualty who is not breathing normally.
3. Which list best matches the chain of survival?
Not quite
The chain of survival is a series of actions that improve the chance of survival after a cardiac arrest. It starts with early recognition and calling for help, followed by CPR, defibrillation, and advanced care.
4. Which casualty should be placed in the recovery position?
Not quite
The recovery position is for an unresponsive casualty who is still breathing normally. If breathing is not normal, CPR is needed instead.
5. Which action best fits the 'Send for help' step?
Not quite
Send for help means calling 111 or getting another person to do it. Do this early when the casualty is unresponsive.
6. How should you check whether a casualty responds?
Not quite
Talk to the person and gently touch them to check whether they respond. If they do not respond, move on to the next step in the assessment.
7. What is the airway step mainly for?
Not quite
The airway step is about making sure air can move in and out of the casualty's mouth and nose. It comes before checking breathing.
8. When should CPR be started?
Not quite
CPR is started when the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally. This means the heart and lungs need immediate help.
Practice all 11 topics free
Create a free account for the full question bank, daily practice sessions, progress tracking, and full mock exams.
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.
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
- Breathing Emergencies & Choking Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)
- CPR & Cardiac Emergency Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard, AU & NZ)
- First Aid Practice Questions for Pool Lifeguards (AU & NZ)
- Spinal Injury First Aid Practice Questions (Pool Lifeguard)