CMT Emergency Response and First Aid 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio?
- 15:1
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 5:1
- 20:2
Correct answer: 30:2
Current AHA guidelines recommend a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR.
Question 2: What is the first step when discovering an unresponsive patient?
- Begin chest compressions immediately
- Check for a pulse for 10 seconds
- Ensure scene safety and call for help (Correct answer)
- Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct answer: Ensure scene safety and call for help
Scene safety and activating emergency response (calling for help/911) are the first priorities before patient assessment.
Question 3: For an adult in cardiac arrest, chest compressions should be performed at a depth of:
- 1–1.5 inches
- At least 2 inches (5 cm) (Correct answer)
- 3–4 inches
- 0.5–1 inch
Correct answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm)
AHA guidelines specify compressions of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches for adults.
Question 4: Which universal sign indicates that a conscious patient is choking?
- Clutching the throat with both hands (Correct answer)
- Pointing to the mouth
- Placing hand on the chest
- Shaking the head
Correct answer: Clutching the throat with both hands
The universal choking sign is clutching the throat with one or both hands.
Question 5: The Heimlich maneuver delivers abdominal thrusts to relieve choking by:
- Increasing stomach acid secretion
- Forcing air upward from the lungs to dislodge the obstruction (Correct answer)
- Compressing the carotid arteries
- Stimulating the gag reflex
Correct answer: Forcing air upward from the lungs to dislodge the obstruction
Abdominal thrusts increase intrathoracic pressure, forcing residual air upward to expel the foreign body.
Question 6: When using an AED, you should ensure which of the following before delivering a shock?
- The patient is on a metal surface
- All rescuers are clear of the patient (Correct answer)
- CPR is ongoing during shock delivery
- The patient's clothing is wet
Correct answer: All rescuers are clear of the patient
All personnel must stand clear of the patient before AED shock delivery to prevent accidental electrocution.
CMT Emergency Response and First Aid 1
When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio?