CPR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is an example of a stroke mimic that can be rapidly excluded by checking blood glucose? → Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar causing focal neurological deficits)
2. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-rescuer adult CPR? → 30:2
3. What technique is used for chest compressions on an infant by a single rescuer? → Two fingers on the center of the chest
4. A person suddenly has trouble speaking and their words sound slurred. Which BE-FAST element is affected? → Speech
5. Which type of stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain? → Ischemic stroke
6. If an unconscious victim is discovered, they should only be removed from the location if: → All of the above.
7. A person suddenly develops severe difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the lips after a bee sting. This is most consistent with: → Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
8. What should you do if your first rescue breath does not make the chest rise? → Re-tilt the head, re-establish the seal, and try again
9. What is the first thing an AED tells you to do after it powers on? → Attach the pads to the victim's bare chest
10. What is the universal sign of choking? → Hands clutched to the throat
11. What should you do if an unresponsive adult is breathing normally with a pulse? → Place them in the recovery position and monitor
12. In the context of stroke care, what does the term 'last known well' (LKW) mean? → The last time the patient was observed or confirmed to be without stroke symptoms
13. Why should electrical burns be evaluated by medical professionals even if they look minor? → Internal tissue damage and heart rhythm problems may not be visible
14. How long should a healthcare provider take to check for a pulse before starting compressions? → No more than 10 seconds
15. How should an amputated body part be cared for during transport to the hospital? → Wrap it in clean material, seal in a bag, keep cool on ice
16. What is the appropriate response if a person with suspected stroke becomes unresponsive and stops breathing? → Begin CPR and call 911 immediately
17. When should cervical spine precautions be taken for a drowning victim? → When there are signs of trauma such as diving or waterslide injury
18. How should you treat a burn that has blisters (second-degree)? → Cool it, cover loosely with sterile dressing, and don't break blisters
19. For a non-vigorous newborn born through meconium-stained fluid, what is the current recommended initial approach? → Begin the usual steps including PPV if not breathing, without routine tracheal suctioning
20. A coworker suddenly experiences numbness on the entire right side of the body. What is the most appropriate response? → Treat as a possible stroke and call 911
21. What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR? → 100 to 120 per minute
22. An AED gives a shock for ventricular fibrillation. What does defibrillation actually do to the heart? → It depolarizes the heart to allow a normal rhythm to resume
23. When performing CPR on an elderly patient, what consideration is important regarding compressions? → Rib fractures are more likely but compressions must still be full depth
24. When should a healthcare provider check for a carotid pulse during the BLS algorithm? → Before starting CPR if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally
25. The AED advises 'no shock advised' but the patient remains unresponsive and pulseless. What is the next step? → Immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions
26. Why are bystander naloxone kits important in the community? → Overdoses often happen before EMS can arrive, so quick reversal saves lives
27. How deep should chest compressions be on an average adult? → At least 2 inches (5 cm)
28. Why is early recognition of cardiac arrest critical to survival? → Every minute without CPR and defibrillation decreases survival by about 7-10%
29. Why are abdominal thrusts not used on infants who are choking? → They can damage an infant's relatively large, fragile liver and organs
30. Why is it important to involve bystanders in an emergency scene? → To get help or assist with tasks