First Aid Sudden Illness and Allergies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the FIRST step when you suspect someone is having a heart attack?
- Give them two aspirin and wait to see if symptoms improve
- Call 911 immediately, then have them rest (Correct answer)
- Perform CPR right away
- Have them walk slowly to reduce heart strain
Correct answer: Call 911 immediately, then have them rest
Calling 911 immediately is the priority; EMS can begin life-saving treatment en route while you keep the person calm and resting.
Question 2: A child develops hives, swollen lips, and difficulty breathing after eating a peanut butter cookie. This is MOST likely:
- A panic attack triggered by eating
- Anaphylaxis requiring immediate epinephrine (Correct answer)
- A mild food sensitivity reaction
- Asthma triggered by a food allergen
Correct answer: Anaphylaxis requiring immediate epinephrine
Hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing together indicate anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening allergic reaction requiring epinephrine.
Question 3: After using an epinephrine auto-injector, what is the next critical action?
- Monitor the person at home for 2 hours
- Call 911 because epinephrine effects are temporary (Correct answer)
- Give a second dose immediately regardless of symptoms
- Have the person lie flat with their legs raised
Correct answer: Call 911 because epinephrine effects are temporary
Epinephrine effects last only 15-20 minutes and symptoms can return, so 911 must be called even after successful initial treatment.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of anaphylaxis?
- Throat tightness and hoarse voice
- Drop in blood pressure
- Gradual onset over several hours (Correct answer)
- Widespread hives and itching
Correct answer: Gradual onset over several hours
Anaphylaxis is characterized by rapid onset, typically within minutes of allergen exposure, not gradual development over hours.
Question 5: A person says they feel like they might faint and their skin looks pale and sweaty. You should:
- Have them stand up and walk around to increase circulation
- Help them sit or lie down and elevate their legs if possible (Correct answer)
- Give them cold water to splash on their face and send them home
- Immediately call 911 as this always indicates a heart attack
Correct answer: Help them sit or lie down and elevate their legs if possible
Sitting or lying down with legs elevated increases blood flow to the brain and can prevent fainting from worsening.
Question 6: When a person faints and recovers consciousness, you should:
- Help them stand up immediately so they don't feel embarrassed
- Have them lie still for a few minutes before sitting up slowly (Correct answer)
- Give them a sugary drink right away to restore energy
- Send them home immediately since they have recovered
Correct answer: Have them lie still for a few minutes before sitting up slowly
After fainting, the person should lie still briefly then sit up slowly to prevent a second fainting episode from orthostatic hypotension.
Question 7: Which situation requires you to call 911 even if the person seems to be improving?
- A mild paper cut that stopped bleeding with pressure
- A first seizure episode even if the person is now conscious (Correct answer)
- A headache that improved after drinking water
- Minor hives that cleared up without treatment
Correct answer: A first seizure episode even if the person is now conscious
A first-time seizure requires emergency evaluation even if the person recovers, as it may indicate a serious underlying condition.
First Aid Sudden Illness and Allergies 3
What is the FIRST step when you suspect someone is having a heart attack?