YMCA Lifeguard CPR, AED & First Aid for the Professional Rescuer — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR?

15:2
30:2 (Correct answer)
5:1
20:2

Correct answer: 30:2

For single-rescuer adult CPR, the correct compression-to-breath ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio is recommended by major resuscitation guidelines to ensure an adequate balance of chest compressions, which circulate blood, and ventilations, which provide oxygen. Maintaining this ratio is crucial for effective resuscitation efforts.

Question 2: Which step should you take immediately after attaching AED pads to a victim?

Perform chest compressions
Remove pads for clarity
Analyze the victim’s heart rhythm (Correct answer)
Give two rescue breaths

Correct answer: Analyze the victim’s heart rhythm

Immediately after attaching AED pads to a victim, the next crucial step is to allow the AED to analyze the victim’s heart rhythm. The AED will then determine if a shockable rhythm is present and advise whether a shock is needed. It is important not to touch the victim during this analysis phase to ensure accurate readings and prevent injury.

Question 3: How deep should chest compressions be for an adult during CPR?

1 inch
1.5 inches
At least 2 inches (Correct answer)
More than 3 inches

Correct answer: At least 2 inches

For an adult during CPR, chest compressions should be at least 2 inches deep, but no more than 2.4 inches. This specific depth is crucial to effectively circulate blood to vital organs like the brain and heart. Compressing too shallowly is ineffective, while compressing too deeply can increase the risk of injury.

Question 4: What should you do if a conscious choking adult cannot speak or cough?

Encourage the victim to keep coughing
Start chest compressions
Begin abdominal thrusts (Correct answer)
Give rescue breaths

Correct answer: Begin abdominal thrusts

If a conscious choking adult cannot speak or cough, it indicates a severe airway obstruction requiring immediate intervention. In this situation, abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) are the recommended first aid. These thrusts create an artificial cough to dislodge the foreign object from the airway, restoring the ability to breathe.

Question 5: Why is early defibrillation important during a cardiac arrest?

It prevents chest pain
It improves breathing effort
It increases survival rates (Correct answer)
It replaces CPR

Correct answer: It increases survival rates

Early defibrillation is paramount during a cardiac arrest, especially when caused by ventricular fibrillation, because it delivers an electrical shock to reset the heart's rhythm. This immediate intervention can stop the chaotic electrical activity and allow the heart to resume a normal, effective beat. The sooner defibrillation occurs, the higher the chance of survival for the victim.

Question 6: What is the first action a rescuer should take when arriving at an unresponsive person?

Check for a pulse
Shout for help
Ensure the scene is safe (Correct answer)
Begin chest compressions

Correct answer: Ensure the scene is safe

The absolute first action a rescuer should take when arriving at an unresponsive person is to ensure the scene is safe. This critical step protects the rescuer from potential hazards, preventing them from becoming a victim themselves. Only after confirming scene safety can the rescuer safely approach and assess the unresponsive individual.

YMCA Lifeguard CPR, AED & First Aid for the Professional Rescuer

What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR?