NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A lifeguard has pulled an unconscious adult casualty from the water. After confirming the casualty is not breathing normally and giving 5 initial rescue breaths, what is the correct ongoing ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?
- 15 compressions to 2 breaths
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 30 compressions to 5 breaths
- 100 compressions to 2 breaths
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
The standard CPR ratio for an adult, child, and infant casualty in the UK is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. After the initial 5 rescue breaths specific to a drowning casualty, the lifeguard should continue with this 30:2 ratio.
Question 2: You are assessing a child who was recovered from the water. What is the first and most critical step to take immediately after opening their airway and confirming they are not breathing?
- Start chest compressions immediately
- Attach an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Give 5 initial rescue breaths (Correct answer)
- Place them in the recovery position
Correct answer: Give 5 initial rescue breaths
For drowning casualties, the primary cause of cardiac arrest is hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Therefore, the Resuscitation Council UK guidelines emphasize giving 5 initial rescue breaths to re-oxygenate the blood before starting chest compressions.
Question 3: When performing chest compressions on any casualty (adult, child, or infant), what is the correct rate a lifeguard should aim for?
- 60 - 80 compressions per minute
- 80 - 100 compressions per minute
- 120 - 140 compressions per minute
- 100 - 120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 100 - 120 compressions per minute
The Resuscitation Council UK and international guidelines recommend a chest compression rate of 100-120 per minute for all casualties. This rate is optimal for maintaining blood flow to the vital organs.
Question 4: A lifeguard is performing single-rescuer CPR on a child casualty. What is the correct depth to which they should compress the chest?
- At least 6 cm
- Approximately 5 cm (Correct answer)
- No more than 2 cm
- Approximately 8 cm
Correct answer: Approximately 5 cm
For a child, the chest should be compressed by approximately 5 cm, which is about one-third of the chest's depth. Compressing too deep or too shallow can be ineffective or cause injury. For adults, the depth is 5-6cm, and for infants, it is 4cm.
Question 5: You are the sole lifeguard performing CPR on an infant (under 1 year old). Which of the following describes the correct technique for delivering chest compressions?
- Using the heel of one hand
- Using the tips of two fingers (Correct answer)
- Using the palm of both hands
- Using two thumbs side-by-side
Correct answer: Using the tips of two fingers
For a single rescuer performing CPR on an infant, the recommended technique is to use the tips of two fingers (index and middle finger) in the centre of the chest. This provides effective compressions without applying excessive force. The two-thumb encircling technique is typically used in two-rescuer infant CPR.
Question 6: A second lifeguard arrives to assist you with CPR on an adult casualty. What is the primary advantage of switching the role of chest compressor every two minutes?
- It allows the second rescuer to practice their skills
- It is a mandatory requirement by the Health and Safety Executive
- It minimises rescuer fatigue and maintains the quality of compressions (Correct answer)
- It provides a scheduled opportunity to re-check the casualty's pulse
Correct answer: It minimises rescuer fatigue and maintains the quality of compressions
Performing high-quality chest compressions is physically demanding. Switching the compressor role every two minutes (or after five cycles of 30:2) helps prevent rescuer fatigue. This ensures that compression depth and rate remain effective throughout the resuscitation attempt.
NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Questions and Answers 1
A lifeguard has pulled an unconscious adult casualty from the water.
After confirming the casualty is not breathing normally and giving 5 initial rescue breaths, what is the correct ongoing ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?