First Aid First Aid/Emergency 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A victim is bleeding severely from a wound on their forearm. The blood is dark red and flowing steadily. What is the most appropriate first step?
- Apply a tourniquet immediately above the wound
- Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth (Correct answer)
- Elevate the arm and rinse the wound with water
- Remove any embedded objects before applying pressure
Correct answer: Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth
Direct pressure is always the first line of treatment for severe bleeding. It helps slow blood flow and allows clotting to begin. Tourniquets are reserved for life-threatening limb bleeding that cannot be controlled by pressure, and embedded objects should never be removed as they help control bleeding.
Question 2: You suspect a victim is going into shock after a serious injury. Which set of signs and symptoms is most consistent with shock?
- Flushed skin, slow pulse, high blood pressure, alert mental status
- Pale or bluish skin, rapid weak pulse, confusion, and cool clammy skin (Correct answer)
- Warm dry skin, strong bounding pulse, and agitation
- Redness around the injury site, swelling, and localized pain only
Correct answer: Pale or bluish skin, rapid weak pulse, confusion, and cool clammy skin
Shock occurs when the body cannot maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs. Classic signs include pale, cool, clammy skin; a rapid but weak pulse; and altered mental status such as confusion or restlessness, as the brain receives less oxygen.
Question 3: A person collapses outdoors on a hot day. Their skin is hot and dry, they are not sweating, and they are confused. What condition does this most likely indicate?
- Heat exhaustion
- Hypothermia
- Heat stroke (Correct answer)
- Dehydration cramps
Correct answer: Heat stroke
Hot, dry skin without sweating combined with confusion are hallmark signs of heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency where the body's cooling mechanism has failed. Heat exhaustion typically presents with heavy sweating and cooler, moist skin. Heat stroke requires immediate cooling and emergency care.
Question 4: An unconscious adult is breathing normally and has a pulse. There is no suspected spinal injury. What is the most appropriate position to place them in while waiting for emergency services?
- Flat on their back with legs elevated
- Sitting upright with head tilted back
- The recovery position (on their side) (Correct answer)
- Face down with arms extended overhead
Correct answer: The recovery position (on their side)
The recovery position (lateral recumbent position) keeps the airway open and allows fluids like vomit to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration in an unconscious but breathing victim. It is used only when spinal injury is not suspected.
Question 5: A person with a known nut allergy suddenly develops hives, throat swelling, and difficulty breathing after eating. They have a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. What should you do?
- Give them an antihistamine and have them lie down
- Administer the epinephrine auto-injector and call 911 immediately
- Wait to see if symptoms improve on their own before acting (Correct answer)
- Have them drink water and loosen their clothing
Correct answer: Wait to see if symptoms improve on their own before acting
This presentation describes anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment and should be administered immediately using the auto-injector. 911 must be called even after epinephrine because symptoms can return and the patient requires hospital monitoring.
Question 6: A conscious diabetic patient tells you they feel dizzy, shaky, and sweaty. They say their blood sugar may be low. What is the correct first aid action?
- Have them lie down and withhold all food and drink until emergency services arrive
- Give them a sugary drink or glucose tablets if they are able to swallow (Correct answer)
- Administer insulin to help regulate their blood sugar
- Apply a cold compress to their forehead and call 911
Correct answer: Give them a sugary drink or glucose tablets if they are able to swallow
A conscious diabetic showing signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) should be given a fast-acting sugar source such as juice, regular soda, or glucose tablets if they are alert and able to swallow safely. Giving sugar quickly restores blood glucose levels and can prevent loss of consciousness.
First Aid First Aid/Emergency 1
A victim is bleeding severely from a wound on their forearm.
The blood is dark red and flowing steadily.
What is the most appropriate first step?