Lifeguarding First Aid Practice Questions
Are you studying for an upcoming lifeguarding exam? Have a go at these practice first aid questions to test your lifeguarding first aid knowledge! The correct answers are shown at the end of this post. Lifeguards need to have a good knowledge of emergency first aid & CPR procedures in order to help swimmers who get into difficulty. Drowning, unfortunately, is a common cause of accidental death and lifeguards play an important role in reducing this risk.
Practice First Aid Questions
What are the priorities of first aid?
What is the difference between a symptom and a sign?
What is the treatment for an unconscious casualty?
What treatment should you give to a casualty suffering a heart attack?
What is the treatment for shock?
What are the key points for treatment of a bleed?
How would you treat someone suffering from a nosebleed?
What is the treatment for a burn?
What are the main principles of dealing with a suspected fracture?
What is the treatment for a dislocation?
What is the treatment for a sprain or strain?
Give three symptoms of a head injury?
What could cause someone to faint?
What are the principles of treating a casualty who has suffered a stroke?
How should you treat someone suffering a major seizure?
Give two examples of medical emergencies that could impact on a swimmers ability
When might a lifeguard need to use a defensive block?
When would you use a shout and signal rescue?
When would you use an extended arm tow?
What action could you take if the pool is overcrowded
Why would you take action if the water clarity began to deteriorate?
What does ABC stand for?
What is the chain of survival?
What does a head tilt and chin lift achieve?
Why should you place an unconscious casualty who is breathing normally in the recovery position?
What is a cardiac arrest?
When giving CPR, when there is more than one rescuer when should another take over?
What should you do if a casualty who is choking loses consciousness?
What does an AED do?
Why might you need a towel when using the AED?
Can you use an AED on a casualty with a suspected spinal injury?
Lifeguard First Aid Answers
What are the priorities of first aid?
Preserve life, Prevent Worsening of the Victim’s Condition, Promote Recovery
What is the difference between a symptom and a sign?
A symptom is what the victim describes, a sign is something you see
What is the treatment for an unconscious victim?
The recovery position if breathing normally. CPR if not breathing.
What treatment should you give to a casualty suffering a heart attack?
Activate EMS. Aspirin. Monitor and reassure
What is the treatment for shock?
Lie the victim down and raise their legs. Control any bleeding. Activate EMS
What are the key points for treatment of a bleed?
Direct pressure over the wound. Elevation if on a limb.
How would you treat someone suffering from a nosebleed?
Tilt them forwards and pinch the soft part of the nose for ten minutes
What is the treatment for a burn?
Rapid cooling for at least 10 minutes. Cover with non-fluffy dressing.
What are the main principles of dealing with a suspected fracture?
Immobilize the area and call for help
What is the treatment for a dislocation?
Do not relocate the injury. Call for help
What is the treatment for a sprain or strain?
RICE: Rest / Ice / Compression / Elevation
Give three symptoms of a head injury?
Amnesia, Loss of Consciousness, Vomiting
What could cause someone to faint?
A temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain
What are the principles of treating a casualty who has suffered a stroke?
Activate EMS immediately
How should you treat someone suffering a major seizure?
Move any hazardous objects. Do not attempt to restrain them. Time the seizure
Give two examples of medical emergencies that could impact on a swimmers ability
Asthma attack, Heart Attack
When might a lifeguard need to use a defensive block?
If a victim makes a grasp towards you
When would you use a shout and signal rescue?
When the victim is awake
When would you use an extended arm tow?
When the victim is unconscious
What action could you take if the pool is overcrowded
Stop further entry into the pool
Why would you take action if the water clarity began to deteriorate?
You may not be able to see the bottom of the pool and it may be harmful to swimmers
What does ABC stand for?
Airway Breathing Circulation
What is the Chain of Survival?
Early Recognition
Early CPR
Early Defibrillation
Post-resuscitation care
What does a head tilt and chin lift achieve?
Opens the victim’s airway
Why should you place an unconscious casualty who is breathing normally in the recovery position?
To protect their airway
What is a cardiac arrest?
The heart stops beating blood around the body
When giving CPR, when there is more than one rescuer when should another take over?
After two minutes (five cycles) of CPR
What should you do if a casualty who is choking loses consciousness?
Check for breathing and begin CPR if needed
What does an AED do?
Delivers an electrical shock to the heart
Why might you need a towel when using the AED?
To dry the victim’s chest
Can you use an AED on a casualty with a suspected spinal injury?
Yes
