OFA CPR Techniques & Automated External Defibrillation (AED) 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A victim is found face-down and unresponsive. Before beginning CPR, the rescuer should:
- Begin compressions with the victim prone
- Roll the victim onto their back as a unit while protecting the spine when possible (Correct answer)
- Check for breathing without moving the victim
- Call for help and wait for EMS to reposition the victim
Correct answer: Roll the victim onto their back as a unit while protecting the spine when possible
The victim must be rolled onto their back to perform effective chest compressions, protecting the spine as much as circumstances allow.
Question 2: In a workplace with an AED program, what is the primary goal for time-to-first-shock after cardiac arrest?
- Within 10 minutes of collapse
- Within 3–5 minutes of collapse (Correct answer)
- Within 8 minutes of collapse
- Within 1 minute of collapse
Correct answer: Within 3–5 minutes of collapse
Survival rates are highest when defibrillation occurs within 3–5 minutes of collapse, which is achievable with workplace AED programs.
Question 3: When providing rescue breaths with a pocket mask, how should the rescuer create a seal?
- Place the narrow end over the chin and breathe through the nose
- Place the mask over the nose and mouth and press firmly around the edges (Correct answer)
- Hold the mask loosely to allow exhaled air to escape
- Use the mask only over the nose while pinching the mouth closed
Correct answer: Place the mask over the nose and mouth and press firmly around the edges
A proper mask seal over the nose and mouth with firm pressure around the edges prevents air leaks and ensures effective ventilation.
Question 4: Which statement about AED use in pediatric patients (1–8 years) is correct?
- AEDs should never be used on children under 8
- Use pediatric pads or a pediatric setting if available; use adult pads if not (Correct answer)
- Always use adult pads in the anterior-posterior position for children
- Reduce the adult shock dose by half manually before delivering
Correct answer: Use pediatric pads or a pediatric setting if available; use adult pads if not
Pediatric pads or a dose-attenuating system should be used for children aged 1–8 when available; adult pads may be used if no pediatric option exists.
Question 5: During CPR, a rescuer notices the chest is not rising with rescue breaths. The first action should be to:
- Increase breath force and blow harder
- Reposition the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift and reattempt (Correct answer)
- Perform abdominal thrusts in case of foreign body obstruction
- Skip ventilations and continue with compressions only
Correct answer: Reposition the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift and reattempt
If the chest does not rise, the most common cause is improper head position; repositioning the airway is the first corrective step.
Question 6: What does 'hands-only CPR' involve, and when is it most appropriate?
- Compressions with one hand only, for infants and children
- Continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths, appropriate for adult witnessed cardiac arrest (Correct answer)
- Compressions combined with abdominal thrusts, for choking victims
- Alternating compressions and breaths at a 15:2 ratio without a mask
Correct answer: Continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths, appropriate for adult witnessed cardiac arrest
Hands-only CPR uses continuous chest compressions without ventilations and is most effective for adult bystander-witnessed cardiac arrest.
Question 7: After successful resuscitation, a patient begins breathing normally. The occupational first aider should:
- Continue CPR at half the standard rate until EMS arrives
- Place the patient in the recovery position and monitor until EMS arrives (Correct answer)
- Remove the AED pads and allow the patient to sit up
- Administer additional AED shocks every 2 minutes as a precaution
Correct answer: Place the patient in the recovery position and monitor until EMS arrives
Once spontaneous breathing returns, place the patient in the recovery (lateral) position and continue monitoring until advanced medical help takes over.
OFA CPR Techniques & Automated External Defibrillation (AED) 4
A victim is found face-down and unresponsive.
Before beginning CPR, the rescuer should: