First Aid Certification Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A rescuer notices bright red blood spurting rhythmically from a wound on the forearm. This pattern indicates bleeding from which type of vessel?

Lymphatic vessel
Vein
Artery (Correct answer)
Capillary

Correct answer: Artery

Arterial bleeding produces bright red, spurting blood that pulses in rhythm with the heartbeat due to high pressure within arteries.

Question 2: A victim is unconscious and not breathing. After calling 911, what is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for adult CPR?

10 compressions to 1 breath
20 compressions to 1 breath
15 compressions to 2 breaths
30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths

The American Heart Association recommends 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths for adult CPR.

Question 3: A construction worker has a steel rod impaled through his calf. The rod is still in place. The correct first aid action is to:

Leave the patient and call 911 without any other intervention
Cut the rod shorter to reduce its weight
Pull the rod out quickly and apply direct pressure
Stabilize the object in place and do not remove it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stabilize the object in place and do not remove it

Impaled objects must never be removed in the field because they may be tamponading bleeding; stabilize them and await EMS.

Question 4: What is the correct hand position for chest compressions on an adult?

Both hands on the left side of the chest over the heart
One hand on the upper chest near the collarbone
One hand flat on the abdomen
Both hands interlaced on the lower half of the sternum (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both hands interlaced on the lower half of the sternum

Proper hand placement is both hands interlaced at the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum to effectively compress the heart.

Question 5: A toddler swallows a small toy and begins to choke. The child is crying loudly and coughing. What is the appropriate action?

Begin abdominal thrusts since the child is over 1 year old
Do not intervene physically; encourage coughing and call 911 if coughing weakens (Correct answer)
Reach into the mouth and attempt to sweep out the object
Perform 5 back blows immediately to dislodge the object

Correct answer: Do not intervene physically; encourage coughing and call 911 if coughing weakens

A crying, coughing toddler has an adequate airway, so physical intervention is not yet indicated — monitor closely and intervene only if breathing deteriorates.

Question 6: Which statement best describes 'consent' in first aid?

Implied consent applies to unconscious adults who cannot refuse care (Correct answer)
Minors can always consent to their own emergency care
You must always obtain written consent before helping
Consent is never needed in an emergency

Correct answer: Implied consent applies to unconscious adults who cannot refuse care

Implied consent assumes an unconscious or incapacitated adult would agree to life-saving care if they were able to do so.

Question 7: During the Heimlich maneuver on a standing adult, where should you position your fist?

On the lower ribs on either side
On the center of the chest over the sternum
At the level of the belly button
Just below the xiphoid process and above the belly button (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Just below the xiphoid process and above the belly button

The fist is placed just above the navel and well below the tip of the xiphoid process to deliver effective inward-and-upward abdominal thrusts.

Question 8: When taking a severed finger—or part of one—to the emergency room, how should you carry it?

Use dry ice to freeze severed part
You should not carry it but dispose of it in seal proof bag
Put the severed part directly in water
Place it in a clean plastic bag, pack the bag in ice (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Place it in a clean plastic bag, pack the bag in ice

To maximize the chance of reattachment, a severed body part must be preserved correctly. It should be placed in a clean plastic bag to keep it sterile and prevent direct contact with water, then that bag should be packed in ice. This method keeps the tissue cold to slow degradation without causing direct freezing damage or waterlogging.

Question 9: How many chest thrusts should alternate with back blows when treating a severely choking infant?

10 chest thrusts
2 chest thrusts
5 chest thrusts (Correct answer)
3 chest thrusts

Correct answer: 5 chest thrusts

The correct cycle for a choking infant is 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts, repeated until the object is expelled or the infant loses consciousness.

Question 10: What is the recommended rate of chest compressions per minute for adult CPR?

60 to 80 compressions per minute
80 to 100 compressions per minute
100 to 120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
More than 120 compressions per minute

Correct answer: 100 to 120 compressions per minute

The AHA recommends a compression rate of 100–120 per minute to maintain adequate blood flow during CPR.

Question 11: When assessing burn severity, a full-thickness (third-degree) burn can be identified by:

Blisters and intense pain
Only superficial redness without blisters
Red, painful skin with intact sensation
Waxy, leathery, or charred skin with little to no pain (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Waxy, leathery, or charred skin with little to no pain

Full-thickness burns destroy all layers of skin, resulting in a leathery or charred appearance and reduced or absent pain due to nerve destruction.

Question 12: What is the best immediate treatment for a minor scorpion sting in a healthy adult?

Apply a tourniquet and go to the ER immediately
Apply a heat pack to disperse the venom
Lance the sting site to drain venom
Clean the site, apply a cool compress, and take OTC pain relievers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clean the site, apply a cool compress, and take OTC pain relievers

For most healthy adults, a minor scorpion sting is treated like a bee sting with cleaning and pain management.

Question 13: A person has fallen from a height and is unconscious. What should you do first?

Move them to a more comfortable position
Remove their helmet if they are wearing one
Call 911 and minimize all movement (Correct answer)
Give them water to drink

Correct answer: Call 911 and minimize all movement

Calling 911 and minimizing movement are immediate priorities to prevent further spinal cord damage in an unconscious trauma victim.

Question 14: A person has caught their hand in a piece of machinery, resulting in an avulsion, where a flap of skin is torn away but still partially attached. How should you care for the wound after controlling the bleeding?

Scrub the wound vigorously with an antiseptic solution.
Cut off the skin flap to create a neat wound edge.
Gently clean the wound, fold the skin flap back into its normal position, and cover with a sterile dressing. (Correct answer)
Apply an ice pack directly to the torn tissue.

Correct answer: Gently clean the wound, fold the skin flap back into its normal position, and cover with a sterile dressing.

For an avulsion where a skin flap is present, the proper first aid is to gently clean the wound area (e.g., with mild soap and water), carefully place the flap back into its normal position if possible, and cover it with a sterile dressing to protect it. This preserves the tissue for potential reattachment and healing. Aggressive cleaning or removing the tissue can cause further damage.

Question 15: A person has fallen on their outstretched hand and is complaining of severe pain and tenderness in their wrist. There is swelling but no obvious deformity. Which action is most appropriate?

Tell them it is likely just a sprain and to continue with their day.
Immobilize the wrist and hand with a splint and suggest they see a healthcare provider. (Correct answer)
Apply a heat pack immediately to increase circulation and promote healing.
Vigorously massage the wrist to reduce the swelling.

Correct answer: Immobilize the wrist and hand with a splint and suggest they see a healthcare provider.

It is difficult for a first aider to distinguish between a sprain and a closed fracture without an X-ray. Therefore, if a fracture is suspected, the injury should be treated as such. The appropriate action is to immobilize the limb to prevent further injury and advise the person to seek a medical evaluation.

Question 16: When performing CPR on an infant (under 1 year old) with a single rescuer, what is the correct compression-to-breath ratio?

5 compressions to 1 breath
15 compressions to 1 breath
30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
15 compressions to 2 breaths

Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths

For single-rescuer CPR on an infant, the correct ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio changes to 15:2 if a second rescuer is available to assist.

Question 17: A bystander collapses with no pulse. An AED has just arrived. After powering it on, what is the correct next step?

Begin chest compressions immediately
Deliver a shock before analyzing the rhythm
Check the victim's blood pressure
Attach the electrode pads to the victim's bare chest (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Attach the electrode pads to the victim's bare chest

After powering on the AED, you attach the electrode pads as directed by the device so it can analyze the heart rhythm before advising a shock.

Question 18: A victim is found face-down and unresponsive. What should you do before starting CPR?

Place the AED pads on their back and shock
Roll the victim onto their back as a unit before beginning CPR (Correct answer)
Check breathing first without moving the victim
Begin back compressions while face-down

Correct answer: Roll the victim onto their back as a unit before beginning CPR

CPR requires the victim to be on their back on a firm, flat surface; roll the victim as a unit to minimize spinal movement.

Question 19: Which of the following is the first and most important step in managing a minor cut or scrape?

Applying an antibiotic ointment.
Stopping the bleeding. (Correct answer)
Washing your hands thoroughly.
Covering the wound with a bandage.

Correct answer: Stopping the bleeding.

For any wound, the immediate priority is to control and stop the bleeding. This is typically done by applying gentle, direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.

Question 20: Which of the following is a late sign of severe airway obstruction in an adult?

Throat clearing
Mild throat discomfort
High-pitched stridor or silent breathing (Correct answer)
Mild coughing

Correct answer: High-pitched stridor or silent breathing

High-pitched stridor or complete silence with no airflow indicates a severe, life-threatening airway obstruction.

Question 21: What is the primary purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?

To schedule equipment maintenance intervals
To assign blame after an accident
To identify and control hazards before a job task is performed (Correct answer)
To document worker training hours

Correct answer: To identify and control hazards before a job task is performed

A JHA proactively identifies hazards associated with each step of a job so controls can be put in place before work begins.

Question 22: A coworker suddenly cries out, stiffens, and then begins to jerk uncontrollably on the floor. What is the most appropriate action to take while they are actively seizing?

Immediately begin chest compressions and call for an AED.
Hold their arms and legs firmly to prevent movement.
Move nearby furniture away and place a small, soft item, like a folded jacket, under their head. (Correct answer)
Force a wallet into their mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue.

Correct answer: Move nearby furniture away and place a small, soft item, like a folded jacket, under their head.

During a seizure, the priority is to protect the person from injury. You should not restrain them or put anything in their mouth, as this can cause harm. Clearing the area of dangerous objects and cushioning their head protects them from their surroundings. CPR is not necessary unless the person stops breathing after the seizure has ended.

Question 23: A person is unresponsive but breathing normally. You do NOT suspect a spinal injury. What is the correct position?

Supine (flat on back)
Prone (face down)
Semi-reclined at 45 degrees
Recovery position (on their side) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Recovery position (on their side)

The recovery position places an unconscious breathing person on their side to keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain.

Question 24: A person falls from a significant height and is complaining of severe neck pain and a tingling sensation in their arms. They are conscious. What is your most important immediate action?

Help the person sit up to a more comfortable position.
Place a rolled towel under their neck for support.
Ask them to gently nod their head to check for pain.
Manually hold their head and neck still in the position found. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Manually hold their head and neck still in the position found.

These signs and symptoms strongly suggest a potential spinal injury. The highest priority is to prevent any movement of the head and neck to avoid further damage to the spinal cord. You should manually stabilize the head and neck until emergency medical services arrive.

Question 25: A patient has a suspected leg fracture with no open wound. The limb is cold and pale below the injury. What does this indicate?

Skin discoloration from normal bruising
Mild nerve bruising that will resolve
Normal swelling from the fracture
Possible vascular compromise requiring urgent care (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Possible vascular compromise requiring urgent care

Coolness and pallor distal to a fracture suggest compromised blood flow, which is a serious emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Question 26: What is the correct position for a conscious shock victim with no suspected spinal injury?

Seated upright with legs dangling
Recovery position on their side
Flat on back with legs elevated 8–12 inches (Correct answer)
Standing to encourage circulation

Correct answer: Flat on back with legs elevated 8–12 inches

Elevating the legs 8–12 inches in a supine victim helps return blood to vital organs, improving perfusion during shock.

Question 27: After using an epinephrine auto-injector on a patient in anaphylaxis, what must always follow?

Application of a cold compress to the injection site
A second dose of antihistamine only
Monitoring for 5 minutes, then discharge
Immediate transport to an emergency room (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediate transport to an emergency room

Epinephrine is a temporary measure; hospital care is mandatory because biphasic reactions can occur hours later.

Question 28: Which is the correct method to remove a tick embedded in the skin?

Burn it off with a match
Twist it counterclockwise until it releases
Cover it with petroleum jelly to suffocate it
Grasp it close to the skin with fine-tipped tweezers and pull steadily upward (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Grasp it close to the skin with fine-tipped tweezers and pull steadily upward

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.

Question 29: An infant is choking and conscious but cannot cry. Which technique is correct?

Finger sweeps of the mouth only
Abdominal thrusts only
Lay the infant flat and perform abdominal thrusts
5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts, alternating (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts, alternating

For a choking infant, alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unconscious.

First Aid Certification Exam

The First Aid Certification Exam exam validates essential knowledge and skills required for certification or licensure in this field.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

75%

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