RCI Red Cross Instructor First Aid & CPR Training 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using an AED on a child (1–8 years), which modification is recommended if pediatric pads are unavailable?
- Do not use the AED; continue CPR only
- Use adult pads placed front-to-back (anterior-posterior) if they do not touch each other (Correct answer)
- Use adult pads in the standard position regardless of pad overlap
- Reduce the AED energy setting to 50 joules before shocking
Correct answer: Use adult pads placed front-to-back (anterior-posterior) if they do not touch each other
If pediatric pads are unavailable, adult pads may be used on a child if placed anterior-posteriorly so they do not touch each other.
Question 2: As a Red Cross instructor, you notice a student performing rescue breaths too forcefully during CPR practice. What is the primary risk of excessive ventilation force?
- Ventricular fibrillation from increased intrathoracic pressure
- Gastric inflation leading to possible regurgitation and aspiration (Correct answer)
- Premature termination of the CPR cycle
- Interference with the AED analysis phase
Correct answer: Gastric inflation leading to possible regurgitation and aspiration
Excessive breath force causes gastric inflation, which increases the risk of regurgitation and aspiration during CPR.
Question 3: In the Red Cross Instructor course, what is the minimum compression-to-ventilation ratio taught for single-rescuer adult CPR?
- 15:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 50:2
- 30:1
Correct answer: 30:2
The American Red Cross teaches a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR.
Question 4: During a first aid class demonstration, a student asks about the correct hand position for adult chest compressions. Which answer is correct?
- Heel of one hand on the sternum, just above the xiphoid process
- Both hands interlaced on the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum (Correct answer)
- Fingertips on the lower third of the sternum with elbows locked
- Open palm placed on the upper sternum directly below the clavicle
Correct answer: Both hands interlaced on the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
Compressions should be delivered with both interlaced hands on the center (lower half) of the sternum to avoid xiphoid and rib injuries.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the 'Chain of Survival' concept that Red Cross instructors are expected to teach?
- A sequence: recognize → call 911 → start CPR → use AED → advanced care (Correct answer)
- A training framework for certifying lay responders every two years
- The protocol for activating mutual aid among emergency services
- A documentation checklist completed after every cardiac event
Correct answer: A sequence: recognize → call 911 → start CPR → use AED → advanced care
The Chain of Survival is a sequence of steps—early recognition, activation of EMS, early CPR, early defibrillation, and advanced care—that maximizes cardiac arrest survival.
Question 6: An instructor candidate is teaching an epinephrine auto-injector skill station. After injection into the outer mid-thigh, what is the recommended hold time before removing the device?
- 3 seconds
- 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- 30 seconds
- 60 seconds
Correct answer: 10 seconds
The auto-injector should be held firmly in place for 10 seconds to ensure full medication delivery into the muscle.
Question 7: When demonstrating bleeding control as a Red Cross First Aid instructor, which technique is taught as the first step for severe external bleeding?
- Apply a tourniquet two inches above the wound immediately
- Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or gloved hand (Correct answer)
- Elevate the limb and apply pressure points proximal to the wound
- Irrigate the wound with clean water before applying pressure
Correct answer: Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or gloved hand
Direct pressure is the first and most effective method taught for controlling severe external bleeding before considering other interventions.
RCI Red Cross Instructor First Aid & CPR Training 2
When using an AED on a child (1–8 years), which modification is recommended if pediatric pads are unavailable?