First Aid Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield First Aid facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the correct way to rewarm a frostbitten extremity in the field? → Rewarm in water between 100–108°F (38–42°C)
2. When applying a cold pack to a musculoskeletal injury, how long should each application last to avoid tissue damage? → 20 minutes on, then remove before reapplying
3. For a severe burn covering more than 20% BSA, which fluid-related first aid step is appropriate while awaiting EMS? → Keep the victim warm and do not give anything by mouth
4. When treating a victim with a chemical burn to the skin, what should you do first? → Flush the area with large amounts of cool running water for at least 20 minutes
5. A conscious adult is choking but is able to cough forcefully. What should you do? → Encourage the person to keep coughing and stand by to assist
6. What is the best method for halting significant bleeding? → Direct pressure
7. What does the 'C-A-B' sequence stand for in current CPR guidelines? → Compressions, Airway, Breathing
8. When should you NOT rewarm a frostbitten area in the field? → When there is a risk the area may refreeze before reaching definitive care
9. A rescuer notices bright red blood spurting rhythmically from a wound on the forearm. This pattern indicates bleeding from which type of vessel? → Artery
10. Which of the following acronyms is most commonly used by the public to help recognize the major signs and symptoms of a stroke? → FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
11. A conscious adult is choking but can still cough forcefully. What should you do? → Encourage them to keep coughing and stay nearby
12. What kind of first assistance is appropriate for a person experiencing a heart attack? → All of the above
13. What is the correct depth of chest compressions for an adult during CPR? → At least 2 inches (5 cm), no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
14. What does the acronym RICE stand for in the context of treating a sprained ankle? → Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
15. What does the acronym RICE stand for in the treatment of a soft tissue workplace injury? → Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
16. After a motorcycle accident, a bystander removes the rider's helmet. What must you do immediately? → Manually stabilize the head and neck to replace the helmet's support
17. What is the primary sign that distinguishes a partial-thickness (second-degree) burn from a full-thickness (third-degree) burn? → The presence of pain and sensation
18. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely to cause a cervical spine injury? → Diving headfirst into shallow water
19. Which of the following best describes the signs of hypothermia? → Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
20. Which of the following is a late sign of severe airway obstruction in an adult? → High-pitched stridor or silent breathing
21. A hiker twists their ankle on the trail and it begins to swell. Which acronym describes the correct initial first aid treatment? → RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
22. A coworker receives a chemical splash to the eye in the workplace. What is the FIRST action you should take? → Flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes
23. A hiker is found confused and disoriented with a core temperature of 95°F. This indicates: → Mild hypothermia
24. During the Heimlich maneuver on a standing adult, where should you position your fist? → Just below the xiphoid process and above the belly button
25. Which of the following is a sign that CPR may be effective? → The victim begins to cough or move
26. During a sporting event, an athlete's knee bends sideways and they cannot bear weight. Which structure is most likely injured? → Ligament
27. A coworker suddenly develops hives, throat tightness, and difficulty breathing after eating lunch. This presentation is most consistent with: → Anaphylaxis
28. When performing CPR on an infant (under 1 year old) with a single rescuer, what is the correct compression-to-breath ratio? → 30 compressions to 2 breaths
29. During an anaphylactic reaction, where is the correct site to administer an epinephrine auto-injector? → Outer mid-thigh
30. At what depth should chest compressions be performed on an adult during CPR? → At least 2 inches