RCI Red Cross Instructor Safety Standards & Regulatory Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the Red Cross Emergency Action Plan (EAP) require an instructor to do FIRST when a serious injury occurs during class?
- Contact the facility manager
- Activate EMS (call 911) (Correct answer)
- Provide first aid immediately
- Clear the area of other participants
Correct answer: Activate EMS (call 911)
The EAP requires activating EMS as the first step so professional help is en route while care is being rendered.
Question 2: A participant in a Red Cross first aid course refuses to sign the liability waiver. What should the instructor do?
- Allow them to participate without signing
- Refuse their participation and explain the requirement (Correct answer)
- Have another participant sign on their behalf
- Proceed and document their refusal
Correct answer: Refuse their participation and explain the requirement
Participation waivers are required by Red Cross policy, and an individual who refuses to sign cannot be allowed to participate.
Question 3: When teaching hands-only CPR, which Red Cross guideline governs the rate of chest compressions?
- 60–80 compressions per minute
- 80–100 compressions per minute
- 100–120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
- 120–140 compressions per minute
Correct answer: 100–120 compressions per minute
The Red Cross follows the AHA guideline of 100–120 compressions per minute for effective hands-only CPR.
Question 4: Under Red Cross regulatory compliance, how must an instructor handle a manikin after a participant shows signs of a cold sore (oral herpes)?
- Wipe the manikin with a dry cloth
- Use a face shield barrier and disinfect the manikin between uses (Correct answer)
- Remove the participant from all manikin exercises
- Replace the manikin with a new one
Correct answer: Use a face shield barrier and disinfect the manikin between uses
Red Cross protocols require face shield barriers and proper disinfection of manikins between users to prevent disease transmission.
Question 5: Which standard dictates how Red Cross instructors must store and handle training materials that contain simulated blood?
- EPA hazardous waste guidelines
- OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards (Correct answer)
- FDA medical device regulations
- NIOSH exposure limits
Correct answer: OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards
OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards apply to training materials that simulate exposure scenarios involving blood or bodily fluids.
Question 6: A Red Cross swimming instructor is teaching an open-water class. What additional safety requirement applies compared to pool-based instruction?
- A lifeguard must be present at all times (Correct answer)
- Only certified swimmers may participate
- A boat with rescue equipment must be on standby
- The class size must be halved
Correct answer: A lifeguard must be present at all times
Red Cross open-water aquatic sessions require a dedicated lifeguard on duty separate from the instructor role.
Question 7: Under Red Cross compliance rules, what must an instructor do if their current certification lapses before they can schedule a renewal course?
- Continue teaching but disclose the lapse to participants
- Immediately stop teaching until recertified (Correct answer)
- Apply for a temporary extension online
- Have a co-instructor cover all hands-on portions
Correct answer: Immediately stop teaching until recertified
Red Cross policy prohibits instructors from teaching courses in any capacity once their certification has lapsed.
RCI Red Cross Instructor Safety Standards & Regulatory Compliance 3
What does the Red Cross Emergency Action Plan (EAP) require an instructor to do FIRST when a serious injury occurs during class?