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AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED study materials
AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED study resources

AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED practice questions

One question at a time. Build your AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED understanding.

First 50 of 198 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

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Question 1First Aid

What is the first action you should take when you come upon a person who appears unresponsive?

  1. Check the scene for hazards before approaching Correct answer.
  2. Begin chest compressions immediately
  3. Give two rescue breaths
  4. Search the person's pockets for identification

Explanation

Before helping anyone, confirm the scene is safe for you, the victim, and bystanders. You cannot help effectively if you become injured, and hazards such as traffic or downed wires must be addressed first. Only after the scene is safe should you check responsiveness and call for help.

Question 2First Aid

An adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally. After calling for help and getting an AED, what should you do?

  1. Place the person in a seated position
  2. Wait for EMS to arrive before touching the person
  3. Start chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute Correct answer.
  4. Give abdominal thrusts

Explanation

For an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally, begin high-quality CPR with compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Compressions circulate oxygen-poor blood to the brain until an AED or advanced help arrives. Delaying compressions reduces the chance of survival.

Question 3First Aid

What is the correct compression depth for an adult during CPR?

  1. At least 4 inches (10 cm)
  2. About 1 inch (2.5 cm)
  3. About 1.5 inches (4 cm)
  4. At least 2 inches (5 cm) Correct answer.

Explanation

Adult compressions should push down at least 2 inches (about 5 cm) while allowing full chest recoil. Compressions that are too shallow do not generate adequate blood flow. Depth is paired with a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.

Question 4First Aid

A coworker is choking and can cough forcefully but cannot speak. What should you do first?

  1. Give the person a glass of water
  2. Encourage the person to keep coughing Correct answer.
  3. Slap the person on the back while they are standing
  4. Give abdominal thrusts right away

Explanation

A person who can still cough forcefully is moving air and should be encouraged to cough to clear the obstruction. Interventions such as thrusts are reserved for a person whose cough becomes silent or ineffective. Offering water or back blows prematurely can worsen the situation.

Question 5First Aid

How should you control severe external bleeding from a cut on the arm?

  1. Rinse the wound with hydrogen peroxide repeatedly
  2. Apply direct pressure with a clean dressing Correct answer.
  3. Apply a loose bandage without pressure
  4. Elevate the arm and wait for bleeding to stop on its own

Explanation

The priority for severe external bleeding is firm direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing. Direct pressure promotes clot formation and slows blood loss until help arrives. A loose bandage or waiting passively will not control significant bleeding.

Question 6First Aid

A person has a suspected head injury after a fall. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Give the person food to raise energy
  2. Have the person stand up and walk it off
  3. Keep the head and neck still and call for emergency help Correct answer.
  4. Shake the person to check for responsiveness

Explanation

With a suspected head or neck injury, minimize movement of the head and neck and summon emergency care. Movement can worsen a spinal injury. The person should not be encouraged to stand or eat.

Question 7First Aid

What is the recommended first step for a small superficial burn?

  1. Cool the burn with cool running water Correct answer.
  2. Apply butter or oil to the burn
  3. Pop any blisters that form
  4. Cover the burn tightly with ice

Explanation

Cool running water removes heat and limits burn depth for a minor burn. Home remedies like butter trap heat and increase infection risk. Ice and tight coverings can further damage tissue.

Question 8First Aid

An adult suddenly collapses and an AED is available. What should you do with the AED pads?

  1. Place pads on the bare chest as shown on the pads Correct answer.
  2. Attach pads only after 10 minutes of CPR
  3. Place pads over thick clothing to save time
  4. Place one pad on the abdomen and one on the thigh

Explanation

AED pads go on the bare, dry chest in the positions illustrated on the pads. Correct placement lets the device analyze the heart rhythm accurately. Pads on clothing or in wrong locations can prevent effective analysis and shock delivery.

Question 9First Aid

A person is having a seizure. What should you do while the seizure continues?

  1. Give the person water to drink
  2. Place a spoon in the mouth to protect the tongue
  3. Clear nearby objects and protect the head Correct answer.
  4. Hold the person's arms and legs still

Explanation

During a seizure, protect the person from injury by moving hard objects away and cushioning the head. Do not restrain the person or put anything in the mouth. After the seizure ends, check breathing and seek help as needed.

Question 10First Aid

What is the correct hand position for adult chest compressions?

  1. Fingertips on the left side of the chest
  2. Both hands on the upper abdomen
  3. One hand on the forehead and one on the chin
  4. Heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone, other hand on top Correct answer.

Explanation

For adult compressions, place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest over the lower half of the breastbone with the second hand on top. This position compresses the heart between the breastbone and spine. Compressions over the abdomen or off-center are ineffective.

Question 11First Aid

A person is in shock after a serious injury. Which action supports circulation while waiting for EMS?

  1. Give the person a large meal
  2. Sit the person upright and have them exercise
  3. Have the person walk around to stay warm
  4. Lay the person flat and keep them warm Correct answer.

Explanation

For shock, lay the person flat, keep them warm, and monitor breathing until EMS arrives. Keeping the person still and warm helps maintain blood flow to vital organs. Activity and food increase demand on the body and are not appropriate.

Question 12First Aid

What should you do for a person with a nosebleed?

  1. Pack the nostril with tissue and lie down
  2. Lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose Correct answer.
  3. Lean the head back and pinch the bridge of the nose
  4. Blow the nose forcefully to clear blood

Explanation

Leaning forward and pinching the soft part of the nose applies pressure to the bleeding vessels and keeps blood from running down the throat. Leaning back can cause blood to be swallowed, leading to nausea. Forceful blowing can restart bleeding.

Question 13First Aid

An adult is unresponsive and you are alone with a mobile phone. What is the recommended sequence?

  1. Call 911 on speakerphone and start CPR Correct answer.
  2. Drive the person to the hospital yourself
  3. Give 5 cycles of CPR, then call 911
  4. Wait for a bystander before doing anything

Explanation

With a phone available, call emergency services (using speakerphone if possible) and begin CPR right away. Early activation of EMS and early compressions both improve survival. Leaving to drive the person or waiting for others delays care.

Question 14First Aid

Which sign suggests a person may be experiencing a stroke?

  1. Sudden facial droop and slurred speech Correct answer.
  2. Intermittent knee pain when climbing stairs
  3. Gradual weight gain over months
  4. A mild rash on the forearm

Explanation

Sudden facial droop, arm weakness, and speech difficulty are classic stroke warning signs and require immediate emergency care. Time matters because treatment for stroke is most effective when started quickly. The other findings are not acute stroke signs.

Question 15First Aid

A person has been stung by a bee and develops hives, swelling of the face, and trouble breathing. What is the priority action?

  1. Scrape the stinger out and give an antacid
  2. Call emergency services and use the person's epinephrine auto-injector if available Correct answer.
  3. Apply a cold pack and monitor for an hour
  4. Have the person lie down and drink water

Explanation

Facial swelling with difficulty breathing after a sting suggests a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Call emergency services immediately and help the person use their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. Waiting or using home remedies can be fatal.

Question 16First Aid

What is the purpose of an AED?

  1. To deliver a shock to a heart in a shockable rhythm Correct answer.
  2. To restart breathing with a mechanical breath
  3. To measure blood pressure during CPR
  4. To provide oxygen to the lungs

Explanation

An AED analyzes the heart rhythm and, if it detects a shockable rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation, delivers a shock to help restore a normal rhythm. It does not breathe for the person or measure blood pressure. CPR and the AED work together.

Question 17First Aid

A person has a large piece of glass embedded in the arm with bleeding. What should you do?

  1. Wiggle the object to check how deep it is
  2. Apply pressure around the object and stabilize it Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the object and give the person water
  4. Pull the glass out and then apply pressure

Explanation

An embedded object should be left in place because removing it can increase bleeding and tissue damage. Apply pressure around the object and stabilize it while getting emergency help. Manipulating or removing the object is dangerous.

Question 18First Aid

How long should you check for breathing and a pulse when assessing an unresponsive adult?

  1. At least 1 full minute
  2. Until the person responds
  3. No more than about 10 seconds Correct answer.
  4. About 5 minutes

Explanation

Breathing and pulse checks should take no more than about 10 seconds so that CPR is not delayed. A prolonged assessment wastes time that should be spent on compressions. If you are unsure whether breathing is normal, act as if it is not.

Question 19First Aid

A conscious adult is choking severely and cannot speak or cough. What should you do?

  1. Give the person water
  2. Lay the person down and start CPR
  3. Give abdominal thrusts Correct answer.
  4. Wait several minutes to see if it clears

Explanation

For a conscious adult with severe airway obstruction and an ineffective cough, give abdominal thrusts to force air out and expel the object. If the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR. Waiting or giving water will not relieve the obstruction.

Question 20First Aid

What is the recommended compression-to-breath ratio for adult CPR when giving breaths?

  1. 30 compressions to 2 breaths Correct answer.
  2. 5 compressions to 5 breaths
  3. 15 compressions to 1 breath
  4. 10 compressions to 1 breath

Explanation

Adult CPR uses 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths when the rescuer provides ventilation. This ratio keeps interruptions short and maintains circulation. The other ratios are not used for adult CPR.

Question 21First Aid

A person faints and then begins to recover. What should you do as they wake?

  1. Have them stand up quickly
  2. Give them a large meal immediately
  3. Leave them alone to rest
  4. Keep them lying down and monitor until fully alert Correct answer.

Explanation

After fainting, keep the person lying down and monitor them until they are fully alert. Standing quickly can cause another faint. Do not leave the person alone until they have recovered.

Question 22First Aid

Which action is appropriate for a chemical burn to the skin?

  1. Flush with large amounts of cool running water Correct answer.
  2. Rub the area vigorously with a towel
  3. Neutralize the chemical with another chemical
  4. Apply a tight bandage without rinsing

Explanation

Chemical burns should be flushed with large amounts of cool running water to dilute and remove the chemical. Rubbing or applying tight coverings can spread the chemical and worsen injury. Neutralizing chemicals is not recommended because it can cause heat and further damage.

Question 23First Aid

What is the main purpose of rescue breaths during CPR?

  1. To check for a pulse
  2. To supply oxygen to the lungs Correct answer.
  3. To clear the stomach
  4. To cool the body

Explanation

Rescue breaths deliver oxygen to the lungs so that circulating blood can carry it to the brain and other organs. Compressions circulate blood, and breaths add oxygen. Together they support the body until advanced care arrives.

Question 24First Aid

A person with diabetes is confused, sweaty, and shaky but can swallow. What should you give?

  1. A sugar-containing food or drink Correct answer.
  2. A large glass of plain water only
  3. Insulin
  4. A high-fat meal

Explanation

Confusion, sweating, and shakiness suggest low blood sugar, and a person who can swallow should be given a sugar-containing food or drink. Symptoms often improve within minutes. Insulin would lower blood sugar further and is dangerous.

Question 25First Aid

When should you stop giving CPR to a person?

  1. When EMS takes over or the person starts breathing normally Correct answer.
  2. As soon as an AED is attached
  3. When you become tired after one cycle
  4. After 2 minutes regardless of the situation

Explanation

Continue CPR until EMS or another trained responder takes over, the person begins breathing normally, or you are too exhausted to continue. An AED being attached is not a reason to stop; you resume compressions after the shock or analysis. Short fatigue after one cycle is not a stopping point.

Question 26First Aid

What is the first action you should take when you encounter a person who appears to be injured?

  1. Check the scene for hazards before approaching Correct answer.
  2. Move the person to a safe location
  3. Begin CPR immediately
  4. Give the person water to drink

Explanation

Before helping an injured person, you must ensure the scene is safe for yourself and others. Approaching without checking for hazards can put you and the victim at risk.

Question 27First Aid

When should you call for emergency help for a person who is bleeding severely?

  1. Only if the bleeding does not stop after applying pressure
  2. Immediately, while also starting to control the bleeding Correct answer.
  3. After you have tried to stop the bleeding for 10 minutes
  4. After you have moved the person to a comfortable position

Explanation

Severe bleeding is a life-threatening emergency, so you should call for emergency help immediately while simultaneously taking steps to control the bleeding. Delaying the call can worsen the outcome.

Question 28First Aid

What is the best way to treat a small, superficial burn?

  1. Cool the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes Correct answer.
  2. Pop any blisters that form
  3. Apply butter or oil to the burn
  4. Cover the burn tightly with a dry dressing

Explanation

Cooling a burn with running water helps reduce pain and tissue damage. It should be done for at least 10 minutes, and home remedies like butter should be avoided.

Question 29First Aid

What should you do if a person is having a seizure and is on the floor?

  1. Clear the area of hard objects and cushion their head Correct answer.
  2. Give them water to drink
  3. Hold the person down to prevent movement
  4. Place something in their mouth to prevent tongue biting

Explanation

During a seizure, the priority is to protect the person from injury. Clearing the area and cushioning the head helps prevent trauma, while restraining or putting objects in the mouth can cause harm.

Question 30First Aid

What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR?

  1. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
  2. 100 to 120 compressions per minute Correct answer.
  3. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
  4. 80 to 100 compressions per minute

Explanation

The recommended compression rate for adult CPR is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This rate helps maintain adequate blood flow to the brain and vital organs.

Question 31First Aid

What should you do if an adult is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe?

  1. Give them a glass of water
  2. Encourage them to cough forcefully
  3. Give five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts Correct answer.
  4. Lay them flat and begin CPR

Explanation

For a conscious choking adult who cannot cough, speak, or breathe, the recommended sequence is alternating five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

Question 32First Aid

What is the recommended first step when treating a minor cut with bleeding?

  1. Elevate the wound above the heart
  2. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth Correct answer.
  3. Apply a tourniquet
  4. Wash the wound with soap and water

Explanation

For a minor cut, the first step is to apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. After bleeding is controlled, the wound can be cleaned and dressed.

Question 33First Aid

What should you do if a person is experiencing an allergic reaction with difficulty breathing?

  1. Have the person sit upright and monitor their breathing
  2. Help them use their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector if available Correct answer.
  3. Give them an antihistamine tablet
  4. Apply a cold compress to the injection site

Explanation

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with breathing difficulty, epinephrine is the first-line treatment. If the person has a prescribed auto-injector, help them use it and call 911.

Question 34First Aid

What is the purpose of the recovery position?

  1. To stop a seizure
  2. To prevent vomiting
  3. To treat shock
  4. To help a person breathe easier if they are unresponsive but breathing Correct answer.

Explanation

The recovery position is used for an unresponsive person who is breathing normally. It helps keep the airway open and allows fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of choking.

Question 35First Aid

How should you care for a person with a suspected fracture of the lower leg?

  1. Have the person walk to see if it hurts
  2. Straighten the leg to align the bones
  3. Apply a splint without moving the person Correct answer.
  4. Massage the area to reduce swelling

Explanation

For a suspected fracture, immobilize the area with a splint in the position found. Do not attempt to straighten the limb or move the person unnecessarily.

Question 36First Aid

What should you do first if a person's clothing is on fire?

  1. Tell the person to stop, drop, and roll Correct answer.
  2. Run to find water
  3. Smother the flames with a blanket
  4. Remove the burning clothing

Explanation

The first action is to stop the person from running, which can fan the flames. Then have them drop to the ground and roll to smother the fire.

Question 37First Aid

What is the correct way to check if an unresponsive adult is breathing?

  1. Look for chest rise and fall for no more than 10 seconds Correct answer.
  2. Place a mirror under the nose to check for condensation
  3. Feel for a pulse in the neck for 30 seconds
  4. Listen for breath sounds for 1 minute

Explanation

To check for breathing, look for chest rise and fall while simultaneously checking for a pulse. The check should take no more than 10 seconds to avoid delaying CPR.

Question 38First Aid

What should you do if a person is experiencing a diabetic emergency and is unconscious?

  1. Give them insulin
  2. Give them a sugary drink
  3. Place them in the recovery position and call 911 Correct answer.
  4. Wait for them to wake up on their own

Explanation

An unconscious person cannot safely swallow, so do not give anything by mouth. Place them in the recovery position to protect the airway and call for emergency help.

Question 39First Aid

What is the recommended way to remove a tick from the skin?

  1. Squeeze the tick's body and twist
  2. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward Correct answer.
  3. Apply petroleum jelly to suffocate the tick
  4. Burn the tick with a match

Explanation

The correct method is to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Other methods can cause the tick to regurgitate or leave mouthparts in the skin.

Question 40First Aid

What should you do for a person with a suspected spinal injury?

  1. Keep their head and neck stabilized in the position found Correct answer.
  2. Move them to a sitting position
  3. Apply a cold pack to the neck
  4. Have them stand up slowly

Explanation

For a suspected spinal injury, the goal is to prevent movement of the head and neck. Stabilize the head in the position found and wait for emergency medical services.

Question 41First Aid

What is the proper way to treat a nosebleed?

  1. Tilt the head back and pinch the nose
  2. Lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose Correct answer.
  3. Lie down and apply a cold compress
  4. Blow the nose forcefully to clear blood

Explanation

Leaning forward and pinching the soft part of the nose helps stop the bleeding and prevents blood from draining into the throat. Tilting the head back can cause blood to be swallowed, leading to nausea.

Question 42First Aid

What should you do if a person is bitten by a snake?

  1. Cut the wound and suck out the venom
  2. Apply a tourniquet above the bite
  3. Apply ice directly to the bite
  4. Keep the person calm and still, and seek medical help Correct answer.

Explanation

For a snakebite, keep the person calm and still to slow the spread of venom, and seek emergency medical care. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or apply ice.

Question 43First Aid

What is the recommended treatment for a person with heat exhaustion?

  1. Have them continue activity to acclimatize
  2. Place them in a hot bath
  3. Move them to a cool place and give cool water to drink Correct answer.
  4. Give them a hot drink to raise body temperature

Explanation

Heat exhaustion is treated by moving the person to a cooler environment, loosening clothing, and giving cool fluids if they are conscious and can swallow. This helps lower body temperature and rehydrate.

Question 44First Aid

What should you do if a person has a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes?

  1. Hold the person down
  2. Call 911 immediately Correct answer.
  3. Wait for it to stop on its own
  4. Give them water

Explanation

A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately as prolonged seizures can cause serious harm.

Question 45First Aid

What is the correct way to perform abdominal thrusts on a conscious choking adult?

  1. Place a fist on the chest and push rapidly
  2. Place a fist on the lower back and push inward
  3. Place a fist on the sternum and push downward
  4. Place a fist above the navel and pull inward and upward Correct answer.

Explanation

For abdominal thrusts, place a fist slightly above the navel and below the breastbone, then pull inward and upward to force air from the lungs to expel the object.

Question 46First Aid

What should you do for a person with a chemical burn to the eye?

  1. Flush the eye with water for at least 20 minutes Correct answer.
  2. Apply an eye patch
  3. Use a neutralizing solution
  4. Have them close their eye tightly

Explanation

For a chemical burn to the eye, flush the eye with clean, cool water for at least 20 minutes to remove the chemical. This helps minimize damage.

Question 47First Aid

What is the first thing you should do when you find an unresponsive person?

  1. Check for a pulse
  2. Begin CPR immediately
  3. Shout for help and tap the person Correct answer.
  4. Give two rescue breaths

Explanation

The first step is to shout for help and tap the person to see if they respond. This helps determine if the person is unresponsive and alerts others.

Question 48First Aid

What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for an adult?

  1. At least 2 inches Correct answer.
  2. At least 1 inch
  3. At least 4 inches
  4. At least 3 inches

Explanation

For adult CPR, chest compressions should be at least 2 inches deep. This depth helps generate adequate blood flow.

Question 49First Aid

What should you do if a person is in shock?

  1. Have them stand up and walk around
  2. Give them a hot drink
  3. Lay them flat and elevate their legs Correct answer.
  4. Apply ice packs to their extremities

Explanation

For shock, lay the person flat and elevate their legs to improve blood flow to vital organs. Keep them warm and monitor their breathing.

Question 50First Aid

What is the correct sequence for using an AED on an adult?

  1. Turn on the AED, attach pads, analyze rhythm, deliver shock if advised Correct answer.
  2. Attach pads, turn on the AED, deliver shock immediately
  3. Analyze rhythm, turn on the AED, attach pads, deliver shock
  4. Deliver shock, then attach pads and turn on the AED

Explanation

The correct sequence is to turn on the AED, attach the pads to the person's bare chest, allow the AED to analyze the rhythm, and deliver a shock if advised. Follow the AED's prompts.