First Aid Sudden Medical Emergencies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person suddenly collapses and is unresponsive. After calling 911, you determine there is no pulse. What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for adult CPR?
- 15 compressions to 2 breaths
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 30 compressions to 1 breath
- 20 compressions to 2 breaths
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
The standard adult CPR ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Question 2: During a sudden cardiac arrest, an AED becomes available. At what point during CPR should you use the AED?
- Only after 10 minutes of CPR
- As soon as it is ready, pausing CPR briefly to attach and analyze (Correct answer)
- Only if the victim is under age 60
- Wait until EMS arrives to let them operate it
Correct answer: As soon as it is ready, pausing CPR briefly to attach and analyze
Use the AED as soon as it is available — early defibrillation dramatically improves survival odds.
Question 3: A coworker experiences sudden severe chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw. Which action is appropriate while waiting for EMS?
- Have them walk around to stimulate circulation
- Give them one regular adult aspirin (325 mg) if they are not allergic (Correct answer)
- Apply ice packs to the chest
- Have them drink water to stay hydrated
Correct answer: Give them one regular adult aspirin (325 mg) if they are not allergic
Chewing aspirin can reduce heart muscle damage during a suspected heart attack by inhibiting platelet clumping.
Question 4: A child at a pool party suddenly slumps over unconscious. You confirm no breathing and no pulse. How should CPR compression depth differ for a child vs. an adult?
- Same depth — at least 2.4 inches for both
- Shallower for a child — about 2 inches (one-third chest depth) (Correct answer)
- Deeper for a child — at least 3 inches
- No compressions — only give rescue breaths for children
Correct answer: Shallower for a child — about 2 inches (one-third chest depth)
For children, compress to about 2 inches or one-third the chest depth to avoid over-compression injuries.
Question 5: You witness a stranger have a grand mal seizure in a parking lot. Which action is INCORRECT during the active seizure?
- Clear nearby hard objects away from the person
- Time how long the seizure lasts
- Hold the person down firmly to stop the movements (Correct answer)
- Turn the person onto their side after convulsions stop
Correct answer: Hold the person down firmly to stop the movements
Restraining someone during a seizure can cause injuries to both victim and rescuer — let the seizure run its course safely.
Question 6: A diabetic friend complains of sudden shakiness, sweating, and confusion. Which of the following is the best immediate first aid action?
- Give insulin immediately
- Give 15-20 grams of fast-acting sugar (juice, glucose tablets) (Correct answer)
- Have them lie down and withhold all food until EMS arrives
- Apply a cold compress to their forehead
Correct answer: Give 15-20 grams of fast-acting sugar (juice, glucose tablets)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is treated with fast-acting carbohydrates; glucose tablets or 4 oz of juice are ideal.
Question 7: A person at a restaurant suddenly cannot breathe, cannot speak, and clutches their throat. What does this universal distress signal indicate and what should you do first?
- Stroke — call 911 and perform CPR
- Complete airway obstruction — perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) (Correct answer)
- Anxiety attack — reassure them and loosen clothing
- Allergic reaction — administer an epinephrine auto-injector
Correct answer: Complete airway obstruction — perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
The universal choking sign combined with inability to speak or breathe signals complete obstruction requiring immediate Heimlich maneuver.
First Aid Sudden Medical Emergencies 2
A person suddenly collapses and is unresponsive.
After calling 911, you determine there is no pulse.
What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for adult CPR?