First Aid Practice Questions

Lifeguards handle everyday first aid as well as water emergencies. This part of the exam covers care for common sudden illnesses, wounds, burns, and environmental emergencies.

Topics include controlling bleeding, burn care, sudden illness, stroke recognition with FAST, allergic reactions, and heat- and cold-related emergencies.

What this part of the exam covers

  • Controlling external bleeding with direct pressure
  • Burn care: cool a thermal burn with cool running water (no ice)
  • Sudden illness: fainting, diabetic emergencies, seizures
  • Stroke recognition using FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time)
  • Allergic reactions, heat-related illness, and cold-related emergencies

Practice questions

1. When may an epinephrine auto-injector be used during a severe allergic reaction?

  • Only if the person has a fever
  • When it has been prescribed for that person and signs of a severe allergic reaction are presentCorrect answer
  • Only after the reaction is over
  • Only for minor itching with no other symptoms
Why

An epinephrine auto-injector is used when it has been prescribed for that person and signs of a severe allergic reaction are present. It is not a treatment for mild itching alone.

2. What is the best action if you suspect poisoning and the person is awake?

  • Call poison control or EMS as directedCorrect answer
  • Give food to absorb the poison
  • Make the person throw up right away
  • Wait for symptoms to get worse
Why

Poisoning needs quick expert guidance, so poison control or EMS should be contacted right away. Do not make the person vomit unless told to do so by professionals.

3. What is an epinephrine auto-injector used for?

  • A serious allergic reactionCorrect answer
  • A mild headache
  • A scraped knee
  • A heat rash
Why

An epinephrine auto-injector is used for a severe allergic reaction when it has been prescribed. It is not for minor everyday injuries or illnesses.

4. How should you care for a minor thermal burn right away?

  • Break any blisters
  • Rub it with butter
  • Apply ice directly to the burn
  • Cool it with cool running waterCorrect answer
Why

Cool running water helps lower the skin temperature and reduce damage. Ice, butter, and popping blisters can make the injury worse.

5. Which sign can show a severe allergic reaction?

  • A mild sunburn
  • A chipped fingernail
  • A small bruise
  • Trouble breathingCorrect answer
Why

Trouble breathing can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction and needs urgent help. Small skin injuries are not the same as anaphylaxis.

6. What is the first step for most external bleeding from a wound on the arm or leg?

  • Apply direct pressure with a clean dressingCorrect answer
  • Raise the person to stand up and walk
  • Put ice directly on the wound
  • Rinse the wound with alcohol
Why

Direct pressure with a clean dressing slows bleeding right away. If blood soaks through, add more dressings and keep firm pressure on the area.

7. What should you do first if you think someone has been poisoned?

  • Wait to see if symptoms go away
  • Make the person vomit
  • Get help from Poison Control or call EMS right awayCorrect answer
  • Give the person milk without checking
Why

Poisoning can become serious quickly, so get expert help right away. Do not make the person vomit unless a medical professional tells you to do so.

8. What should you do during a seizure?

  • Hold the person down tightly
  • Protect the person from injury and do not put anything in the mouthCorrect answer
  • Try to wake the person by shaking the shoulders hard
  • Give water as soon as the shaking starts
Why

The main goal is to prevent injury while the seizure runs its course. Do not put anything in the person's mouth, and do not restrain the person.

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Frequently asked questions

What does FAST stand for in stroke recognition?
FAST stands for Face (drooping), Arm (weakness), Speech (difficulty), and Time (call EMS immediately). It is a quick way to recognize the signs of a stroke.
How should you care for a thermal burn?
Cool the burn with cool running water and cover it loosely with a clean, dry dressing. Do not apply ice, butter, or ointments, and seek medical care for serious burns.
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 EMS.

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