STCW First Aid at Sea 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A casualty is bleeding heavily from a deep laceration on the thigh. Direct pressure has been applied but bleeding is uncontrolled. What is the next step?
- Apply a tourniquet 2–3 inches above the wound (Correct answer)
- Remove the dressing and pack the wound with gauze
- Elevate the limb only and continue pressure
- Apply ice directly to the wound
Correct answer: Apply a tourniquet 2–3 inches above the wound
When direct pressure fails to control life-threatening extremity hemorrhage, a tourniquet applied above the wound is the next intervention.
Question 2: Which of the following is a classic sign of a tension pneumothorax in a trauma patient?
- Bradycardia and hypertension
- Tracheal deviation away from the affected side and absent breath sounds (Correct answer)
- Bilateral wheeze and productive cough
- Distended abdomen and rigidity
Correct answer: Tracheal deviation away from the affected side and absent breath sounds
Tension pneumothorax causes tracheal deviation to the opposite side and absent breath sounds on the affected side due to air under pressure.
Question 3: When using an AED on a casualty who is lying in water, what should you do first?
- Use the AED immediately — water does not affect it
- Move the casualty to a dry surface before attaching pads (Correct answer)
- Dry the chest only and apply pads while remaining in water
- Skip AED use and continue CPR only
Correct answer: Move the casualty to a dry surface before attaching pads
The casualty must be moved to a dry surface to prevent current dispersion through water and protect rescuers from shock.
Question 4: A crew member complains of sudden crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm. You suspect a myocardial infarction. If he is not allergic, what medication should be given while awaiting medical advice?
- 500 mg paracetamol orally
- 300 mg aspirin chewed slowly (Correct answer)
- 5 mg diazepam orally to reduce anxiety
- 20 mg omeprazole for possible gastric cause
Correct answer: 300 mg aspirin chewed slowly
300 mg aspirin chewed (not swallowed whole) inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces clot progression in suspected myocardial infarction.
Question 5: A casualty has a closed fracture of the forearm. What is the primary goal of splinting before transfer?
- Restore normal limb alignment by traction
- Immobilize the injury to prevent further damage and reduce pain (Correct answer)
- Increase blood flow to the injured area with compression
- Cover the fracture site to prevent infection
Correct answer: Immobilize the injury to prevent further damage and reduce pain
Splinting immobilizes the fracture to prevent movement that could worsen injury, damage vessels/nerves, and increase pain.
Question 6: Which of the following correctly describes the 'recovery position' and its primary purpose?
- Supine with legs elevated 30 cm to treat shock
- Lateral position to keep the airway open and prevent aspiration in an unconscious breathing casualty (Correct answer)
- Seated upright to ease breathing in a conscious casualty
- Prone position to allow drainage from the chest in a drowning victim
Correct answer: Lateral position to keep the airway open and prevent aspiration in an unconscious breathing casualty
The recovery position places an unconscious, breathing casualty on their side so the airway remains open and fluids can drain without aspiration.
Question 7: What is the recommended rate of chest compressions during adult CPR?
- 60–80 compressions per minute
- 100–120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
- 120–140 compressions per minute
- 80–100 compressions per minute
Correct answer: 100–120 compressions per minute
Current guidelines specify a compression rate of 100–120 per minute to achieve adequate cardiac output during CPR.
STCW First Aid at Sea 3
A casualty is bleeding heavily from a deep laceration on the thigh.
Direct pressure has been applied but bleeding is uncontrolled.
What is the next step?