Sudden Medical Emergencies Flashcards
7 cards from real First Aid practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Sudden Medical Emergencies flashcards as text
A person suddenly collapses and is unresponsive. After calling 911, you determine there is no pulse. What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for adult CPR?
Answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
The standard adult CPR ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
During a sudden cardiac arrest, an AED becomes available. At what point during CPR should you use the AED?
Answer: As soon as it is ready, pausing CPR briefly to attach and analyze
Use the AED as soon as it is available — early defibrillation dramatically improves survival odds.
A coworker experiences sudden severe chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw. Which action is appropriate while waiting for EMS?
Answer: Give them one regular adult aspirin (325 mg) if they are not allergic
Chewing aspirin can reduce heart muscle damage during a suspected heart attack by inhibiting platelet clumping.
A child at a pool party suddenly slumps over unconscious. You confirm no breathing and no pulse. How should CPR compression depth differ for a child vs. an adult?
Answer: Shallower for a child — about 2 inches (one-third chest depth)
For children, compress to about 2 inches or one-third the chest depth to avoid over-compression injuries.
You witness a stranger have a grand mal seizure in a parking lot. Which action is INCORRECT during the active seizure?
Answer: Hold the person down firmly to stop the movements
Restraining someone during a seizure can cause injuries to both victim and rescuer — let the seizure run its course safely.
A diabetic friend complains of sudden shakiness, sweating, and confusion. Which of the following is the best immediate first aid action?
Answer: Give 15-20 grams of fast-acting sugar (juice, glucose tablets)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is treated with fast-acting carbohydrates; glucose tablets or 4 oz of juice are ideal.
A person at a restaurant suddenly cannot breathe, cannot speak, and clutches their throat. What does this universal distress signal indicate and what should you do first?
Answer: Complete airway obstruction — perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
The universal choking sign combined with inability to speak or breathe signals complete obstruction requiring immediate Heimlich maneuver.