First Aid CPR and AED Usage 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A victim is found face-down and unresponsive. What should you do before starting CPR?
- Roll the victim onto their back as a unit before beginning CPR (Correct answer)
- Begin back compressions while face-down
- Check breathing first without moving the victim
- Place the AED pads on their back and shock
Correct answer: Roll the victim onto their back as a unit before beginning CPR
CPR requires the victim to be on their back on a firm, flat surface; roll the victim as a unit to minimize spinal movement.
Question 2: You are performing CPR when the victim begins breathing normally and responds to you. What should you do?
- Place the victim in the recovery position and monitor until EMS arrives (Correct answer)
- Continue CPR at a slower rate to be safe
- Remove the AED pads and leave the victim alone
- Give two more rescue breaths and then stop
Correct answer: Place the victim in the recovery position and monitor until EMS arrives
Once the victim regains normal breathing and responsiveness, place them in the recovery position (on their side) and monitor them until EMS arrives.
Question 3: Which heart rhythm does an AED shock treat?
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) (Correct answer)
- Asystole (flatline)
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Normal sinus rhythm
Correct answer: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)
AEDs are designed to shock shockable rhythms — ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia — which can be converted to a normal rhythm.
Question 4: During CPR, a second trained rescuer arrives. How should two-rescuer adult CPR be modified?
- Switch to 30:2 with one rescuer on compressions and one on airway (Correct answer)
- Both rescuers alternate compressions simultaneously
- Switch to 15 compressions to 2 breaths
- One rescuer does compressions while the other calls for help
Correct answer: Switch to 30:2 with one rescuer on compressions and one on airway
Two-rescuer adult CPR maintains the 30:2 ratio, with one dedicated to compressions and one managing the airway, switching roles every 2 minutes.
Question 5: A victim has a nitroglycerin patch on their chest. What should you do before applying AED pads?
- Remove the patch and wipe the skin before placing the AED pad (Correct answer)
- Place the AED pad directly over the patch
- Apply the AED pad 3 inches away from the patch
- Do not use the AED and use CPR only
Correct answer: Remove the patch and wipe the skin before placing the AED pad
Medication patches should be removed and the area wiped clean before placing AED pads to prevent burns and ensure proper pad adhesion.
Question 6: How often should rescuers switch roles during CPR to minimize fatigue?
- Every 2 minutes (approximately 5 CPR cycles) (Correct answer)
- Every 5 minutes
- Only when one rescuer says they are tired
- Every 10 minutes
Correct answer: Every 2 minutes (approximately 5 CPR cycles)
Rescuers should switch roles every 2 minutes (about 5 cycles of 30:2) because compression quality degrades rapidly with fatigue.
Question 7: When should you NOT use an AED on a victim?
- When the victim is lying in standing water (Correct answer)
- When the victim is over 65 years old
- When EMS is less than 5 minutes away
- When CPR has already been performed for 10 minutes
Correct answer: When the victim is lying in standing water
Do not use an AED if the victim is lying in water; move them to a dry area first to prevent the shock from traveling through the water to bystanders.
First Aid CPR and AED Usage 4
A victim is found face-down and unresponsive.
What should you do before starting CPR?