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. What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher? → Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
10. What is the primary danger of an open (compound) fracture compared to a closed fracture? → Risk of infection
11. A rescuer notices bright red blood spurting rhythmically from a wound on the forearm. This pattern indicates bleeding from which type of vessel? → Artery
12. 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)
13. Which sign most strongly suggests a fracture rather than a bruise? → Localized tenderness directly over the bone
14. After a seizure ends, a person is confused and very tired. This is known as the: → Postictal phase
15. Crepitus at a fracture site is described as: → A crackling or grating sensation when the bone ends move against each other
16. A conscious adult is choking but can still cough forcefully. What should you do? → Encourage them to keep coughing and stay nearby
17. You are treating an open chest wound (sucking chest wound). What specialized first aid dressing is recommended? → A vented chest seal or three-sided occlusive dressing
18. An AED analyzes the victim's heart rhythm and says 'No shock advised.' What should you do? → Immediately resume CPR
19. Which sign indicates a victim may be experiencing internal bleeding? → Pale, cool, clammy skin with rapid weak pulse
20. What kind of first assistance is appropriate for a person experiencing a heart attack? → All of the above
21. For a suspected open (compound) fracture where bone is visible, which action is your immediate priority before splinting? → Cover the wound with a sterile dressing without pushing bone back
22. 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)
23. What does the acronym RICE stand for in the context of treating a sprained ankle? → Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
24. Which joint is most frequently dislocated in the body? → Shoulder (glenohumeral)
25. A victim has a large wound with a foreign object (glass) still embedded. You should: → Stabilize the object and apply pressure around it without removing it
26. What does the acronym RICE stand for in the treatment of a soft tissue workplace injury? → Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
27. Which of the following is the correct sequence when using an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)? → Remove cap, press firmly into thigh, hold 10 seconds, call 911
28. What does 'hemostasis' mean in the context of wound care? → The body's process of stopping bleeding
29. 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
30. A victim in cardiac arrest has a hairy chest. How should you handle this before applying AED pads? → Shave the chest area quickly using a razor from the AED kit if available