STCW First Aid at Sea 5

Question 1

A crew member is found unconscious with a suspected drug overdose. He is breathing shallowly. What position should he be placed in?

Accepted Answer

Recovery (lateral) position

Answer

The recovery position maintains the airway, prevents aspiration of vomit, and allows ongoing monitoring of breathing in an unconscious patient.

Question 2

When treating a casualty for hypothermia, which action should be AVOIDED?

Accepted Answer

Vigorously rubbing the extremities to generate warmth

Answer

Vigorous rubbing causes peripheral vasodilation and can trigger a rush of cold blood to the core (afterdrop), worsening hypothermia or causing cardiac arrest.

Question 3

A casualty has a penetrating abdominal wound with protruding intestines (evisceration). What is the correct first aid?

Accepted Answer

Cover organs with a moist sterile dressing and do not attempt to replace them

Answer

Protruding organs must be covered with a moist sterile dressing to prevent drying and contamination, but must never be pushed back.

Question 4

A casualty has a fishhook deeply embedded in the palm. Which statement about first aid management is correct?

Accepted Answer

Leave the hook in place, immobilize, cover, and seek medical advice

Answer

An embedded fishhook with a barb should be left in place, the limb immobilized, and professional removal sought to avoid further tissue damage.

Question 5

Which of the following is a sign of a basilar skull fracture that a first aider should recognize?

Accepted Answer

Battle's sign (bruising behind the ear) and raccoon eyes (periorbital bruising)

Answer

Battle's sign (mastoid bruising) and raccoon eyes (periorbital ecchymosis) are classic delayed signs of a basilar skull fracture.

(STCW) Standards Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Practice Test

(STCW) Standards Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Practice Test

STCW First Aid at Sea 5