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Emergency First Aid at Work study materials
Emergency First Aid at Work study resources

Emergency First Aid at Work practice questions

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Question 1Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

In an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) context, what is the primary duty of the designated first aider when an incident occurs?

  1. To record the incident before assessing any casualties
  2. To take charge of the whole workplace and close the area down
  3. To give immediate care within their training and to summon further help when needed Correct answer.
  4. To investigate the cause of the incident before treating anyone

Explanation

The first aider's priority is to provide immediate, safe care within the limits of their training and to call for additional help such as an ambulance or a more qualified colleague when required. Investigating causes or shutting down operations belongs to management, and paperwork always follows casualty care.

Question 2Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

Before approaching a collapsed casualty, which sequence best reflects the first aider's initial scene assessment?

  1. Start chest compressions immediately, then look for hazards
  2. Move the casualty to a quiet room, then check for a pulse
  3. Check for danger to yourself and others, then check the casualty's response Correct answer.
  4. Ask bystanders what happened, then begin rescue breaths

Explanation

Scene assessment always begins with danger, because an injured rescuer cannot help anyone and may add to the casualty count. Only when the area is safe should the first aider check the casualty's response and continue the primary survey.

Question 3Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A first aider has just completed a primary survey using the ABCDE approach. Which element is assessed first?

  1. Breathing
  2. Disability
  3. Airway Correct answer.
  4. Circulation

Explanation

The ABCDE primary survey starts with Airway, because an obstructed airway kills fastest and must be opened before breathing can be assessed or supported. Each step is only completed once the previous one is addressed.

Question 4Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 as applied in Great Britain, what must an employer do before deciding on first-aid provision?

  1. Ask the local hospital to supply a first aider
  2. Register every employee with the ambulance service
  3. Insure each first aider against negligence claims
  4. Carry out a first-aid needs assessment of the workplace Correct answer.

Explanation

Employers must assess their first-aid needs, taking account of hazards, workforce size, shift patterns and proximity to emergency services, and then provide appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel. The other actions are not legal requirements of the regulations.

Question 5Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

What is the main purpose of keeping an accident record following a first-aid incident at work?

  1. To satisfy the first aider's personal training portfolio
  2. To allocate blame to the casualty for the injury
  3. To replace the need for any verbal handover to emergency services
  4. To provide a factual account that supports investigation, reporting and future prevention Correct answer.

Explanation

Records give an accurate, contemporaneous account of what happened, what care was given and who was informed, which supports internal investigation, statutory reporting such as RIDDOR where relevant, and prevention of recurrence. They are not tools for assigning blame.

Question 6Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

Which piece of information is essential to include when completing an accident record after treating a casualty?

  1. The date, time and location of the incident and the care provided Correct answer.
  2. The estimated cost of any equipment used
  3. The casualty's opinion of who caused the incident
  4. The first aider's home address and telephone number

Explanation

A useful record captures when and where the incident happened, who was involved, what injuries were found, what treatment was given and what happened next. Personal opinions about cause and irrelevant details about the first aider or costs do not belong in it.

Question 7Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A first aider is called to a workshop where a colleague has collapsed near a running machine. What should the first aider do first?

  1. Drag the casualty clear of the machine before any assessment
  2. Ask the casualty to stand up and walk to a quieter area
  3. Make the area safe, for example by stopping the machine or getting someone to do so Correct answer.
  4. Begin rescue breaths straight away without checking the surroundings

Explanation

The first aider must control hazards before approaching, so stopping the machinery or having it stopped protects both rescuer and casualty. Only then should the response and airway be checked and treatment begun.

Question 8Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

During a primary survey, a casualty is unresponsive but breathing normally and has no obvious major bleeding. What should the first aider do next?

  1. Leave the casualty alone to complete the accident record
  2. Place the casualty in the recovery position and monitor breathing until help arrives Correct answer.
  3. Give five back blows in case of choking
  4. Start chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute

Explanation

An unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally needs airway protection, so the recovery position keeps the airway open and allows fluid to drain while breathing is monitored. Compressions are only for casualties who are not breathing normally.

Question 9Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A first aider arrives at an incident and finds three casualties with limited equipment and no second first aider. Which principle should guide their prioritisation?

  1. Treat the most talkative casualty first because they can explain what happened
  2. Treat the least injured first so they can be sent back to work quickly
  3. Treat the greatest threat to life first, using a triage approach to sort casualties Correct answer.
  4. Treat casualties strictly in the order in which they are found

Explanation

When resources are limited, the first aider prioritises casualties by the threat to life, treating problems such as an obstructed airway or severe bleeding before minor injuries. Order of discovery, talkativeness or speed of return to work do not determine clinical priority.

Question 10Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

What does the 'D' in the ABCDE primary survey stand for, and what does it involve?

  1. Defibrillation, applying pads to every casualty
  2. Danger, checking the scene for hazards
  3. Disability, assessing level of consciousness such as with AVPU Correct answer.
  4. Documentation, writing the accident record

Explanation

In ABCDE, D stands for Disability, meaning a brief assessment of the casualty's level of consciousness, commonly using the AVPU scale. Danger is checked before the survey begins and documentation comes after care.

Question 11Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A first aider treats a minor cut and the casualty returns to work. What is the most appropriate record-keeping action?

  1. Take no action because the injury was minor and the casualty stayed at work
  2. Record only the casualty's name and nothing else
  3. Send the details to the local newspaper as a safety warning
  4. Record the incident, the treatment given and any advice offered, following the employer's system Correct answer.

Explanation

Even minor incidents should be recorded in the employer's accident book or equivalent system, noting the injury, treatment and advice given. This supports trend analysis and may be needed for later reporting or insurance purposes.

Question 12Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A casualty's condition worsens after initial treatment and an ambulance is called. What should the first aider do while waiting?

  1. Continue monitoring the casualty, keep them comfortable and prepare a handover of what has happened Correct answer.
  2. Send the casualty home in a colleague's car to save time
  3. Restart the primary survey from the beginning and take no other action
  4. Stop recording anything further until the ambulance crew arrives

Explanation

The first aider keeps monitoring airway, breathing and circulation, keeps the casualty warm and reassured, and gathers a clear handover including what was observed, what treatment was given and when. Handover information helps the arriving clinicians.

Question 13Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

Which statement best describes the limits of an EFAW first aider's responsibilities?

  1. They provide care within their training and do not attempt skills they are not trained or competent to perform Correct answer.
  2. They are responsible for diagnosing the casualty's underlying medical condition
  3. They may perform any clinical procedure if a colleague asks them to
  4. They must treat casualties even when the scene remains unsafe

Explanation

A first aider acts within the scope of their training and competence, escalating to ambulance clinicians, a nurse or a doctor when needs exceed that scope. Diagnosing conditions and performing untrained procedures are outside the role.

Question 14Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

Under RIDDOR, which situation would typically require the employer to report an incident to the enforcing authority?

  1. A worker receives a sticking plaster for a small graze and continues working
  2. A visitor asks for a glass of water and feels faint briefly
  3. A worker sustains a fracture that keeps them off normal duties for more than seven days Correct answer.
  4. A worker reports a headache that resolves after a short break

Explanation

RIDDOR requires reporting of specified serious incidents, including certain fractures and injuries that keep a worker off normal duties for more than seven days. Minor injuries treated on site with no absence are recorded internally but are not reportable.

Question 15Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A first aider is asked by a manager to write a statement about an incident that will be used in a formal investigation. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. Include guesses about the casualty's lifestyle and habits
  2. Write only what the manager would like the statement to say
  3. Refuse to write anything because first aiders never give statements
  4. Write an objective account of what was seen, heard and done, distinguishing facts from opinion Correct answer.

Explanation

Statements for investigation should be factual, contemporaneous and clearly separate observation from opinion, so they remain credible and useful. Tailoring a statement to a manager's wishes or speculating about a casualty's personal life undermines its integrity.

Question 16Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

After an incident, a first aider notices the same trip hazard has caused two previous recorded injuries. What is the most useful action within their role?

  1. Record the hazard only in their personal notebook and tell no one
  2. Advise colleagues to step over the hazard carefully and leave it at that
  3. Wait for a more serious injury before raising the issue
  4. Report the pattern to the person responsible for health and safety so the hazard can be addressed Correct answer.

Explanation

First aiders are well placed to spot recurring causes of injury, and reporting the pattern to whoever manages health and safety allows the underlying hazard to be controlled. Waiting for a worse injury or keeping the information private fails to prevent harm.

Question 17Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A first aider is unsure whether a casualty's condition is serious enough to call 999. What is the safest decision?

  1. Wait until a manager is available to authorise the call
  2. Ask the casualty to sign a form declining an ambulance before deciding
  3. Delay the call and observe for an hour to see whether the casualty improves
  4. Call 999 and explain the signs and symptoms, letting the emergency dispatcher advise Correct answer.

Explanation

When in doubt, the first aider should call 999 and describe the casualty's condition so the dispatcher can advise on care while help is on the way. Delaying a call to observe, obtain authorisation or complete paperwork risks the casualty's life.

Question 18Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

Which combination best reflects the information a first aider should hand over to an arriving ambulance crew?

  1. The first aider's training record and certificate number
  2. Only the casualty's name and job title
  3. The names of all colleagues who watched the incident
  4. The casualty's condition, the history of the incident, the treatment given and any changes over time Correct answer.

Explanation

A structured handover covers the casualty's current condition, what happened, what care has been given and how the casualty has changed, so clinicians can continue treatment without repeating everything. Names of onlookers and the first aider's certificate details are not clinically relevant.

Question 19Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A first aider has treated a casualty who then refuses further help and wants to leave. How should the first aider proceed?

  1. Physically restrain the casualty until an ambulance arrives
  2. Record nothing, because no treatment was completed
  3. Ignore the refusal and treat the casualty anyway
  4. Respect the refusal where the casualty has capacity, record the advice given and the refusal, and monitor if possible Correct answer.

Explanation

A conscious adult with capacity may refuse treatment, and the first aider should respect that decision while clearly explaining the risks, recording the advice given and the refusal, and keeping the person under observation if they remain on site. Restraining or treating against a refusal is unlawful.

Question 20Roles and responsibilities of the emergency first aider, incident assessment and record keeping

A first aider is reviewing an accident book entry that lacks the time of the incident and the casualty's symptoms. Why does this weaken the record?

  1. It matters only if the casualty later changes job
  2. It makes the record invalid because accident books must be handwritten in ink
  3. It has no effect because symptoms are never recorded in first aid
  4. It reduces the record's value for investigating causes, tracking deterioration and supporting any later report or claim Correct answer.

Explanation

Accurate times and recorded symptoms allow the incident to be reconstructed, show whether a condition changed, and support statutory reporting or insurance claims. Missing detail weakens all of these uses, regardless of how the entry is written.

Question 21Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

As a first aider, what is the very first priority when you arrive at the scene of a collapsed casualty in a busy workshop?

  1. Start chest compressions immediately without assessing the surroundings
  2. Move the casualty to a quiet room before doing anything else
  3. Check for danger to yourself, the casualty and bystanders before approaching Correct answer.
  4. Ask the casualty for their medical history before checking the scene

Explanation

Scene safety always comes first: a first aider who becomes a casualty cannot help anyone. You assess for danger to yourself, the casualty and others before approaching. Only once the scene is safe do you begin the primary assessment.

Question 22Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

Which sequence correctly describes the primary assessment of a casualty?

  1. Danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation, then help Correct answer.
  2. Check breathing, check danger, check response, then check circulation
  3. History, vital signs, full body check, then call for help
  4. Call an ambulance, then check response, then check danger

Explanation

The primary assessment follows a fixed order: danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation, then summon help. Each step builds on the previous one, so danger is cleared before you touch the casualty and the airway is opened before breathing is checked.

Question 23Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

A casualty is unresponsive but breathing normally and no one else is nearby. What is the correct action regarding help?

  1. Give two rescue breaths first, then look for a phone
  2. Call for emergency help immediately using a speakerphone while staying with the casualty Correct answer.
  3. Wait until the casualty's breathing becomes abnormal before calling
  4. Leave the casualty to find a phone and call for help yourself

Explanation

An unresponsive but breathing casualty needs emergency help urgently, so call immediately. Using a speakerphone lets you summon help while remaining with the casualty. Leaving them alone risks the airway becoming obstructed if they vomit.

Question 24Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

What is the standard emergency number to call for an ambulance in the United Kingdom?

  1. 101
  2. 112 only
  3. 999 or 112 Correct answer.
  4. 111

Explanation

In the UK, 999 and 112 both connect to the emergency services, and 112 works across Europe. Either number reaches ambulance control. Knowing both ensures help can be summoned from any phone.

Question 25Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

When phoning for an ambulance, which information is most important to give the call handler first?

  1. The name of the casualty's next of kin
  2. The exact location of the incident and a callback number Correct answer.
  3. The casualty's full medical history and medication list
  4. Your job title and employer's insurance details

Explanation

The call handler's priority is where to send the ambulance and how to contact the caller again. Location and a callback number allow dispatch to proceed even if the line drops. Clinical details follow once those essentials are given.

Question 26Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

You are alone with a casualty who is not breathing normally and you have no phone with you. What should you do?

  1. Shout for help, and if no one responds, leave to call and return as quickly as possible Correct answer.
  2. Leave the casualty to find a phone and call, then return
  3. Give CPR for ten minutes before seeking any help
  4. Assume someone else will call and continue assessing

Explanation

When alone without a phone, shout for help first, then leave briefly to call emergency services and return immediately. This balances the need for an ambulance with minimising the time the casualty is unattended. CPR alone without summoning help will not bring advanced care.

Question 27Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

A bystander offers to help at an incident. Which task is most appropriate to delegate to them?

  1. Going to meet the ambulance and guiding it to the scene Correct answer.
  2. Taking over the airway assessment from you
  3. Deciding whether CPR is required
  4. Diagnosing the casualty's underlying condition

Explanation

Delegation should use bystanders for practical, low-skill tasks that free the first aider to give care. Meeting and guiding the ambulance is ideal because it speeds access to the casualty. Clinical decisions remain with the trained first aider.

Question 28Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

What does the 'response' step of the primary assessment involve?

  1. Gently shaking the casualty and shouting to see if they respond Correct answer.
  2. Feeling the pulse at the wrist for a full minute
  3. Checking the pupils with a torch
  4. Listening over the chest with a stethoscope

Explanation

The response step checks consciousness by speaking loudly and gently shaking the casualty's shoulders. This quickly establishes whether they are alert, respond to voice, respond to pain or are unresponsive. It is done after danger has been assessed.

Question 29Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

Why should a first aider avoid moving a casualty unnecessarily before emergency help arrives?

  1. Because the ambulance crew prefer casualties in the same position
  2. Because movement makes the casualty's clothing harder to cut
  3. Because movement may worsen spinal or other injuries and disturb the airway Correct answer.
  4. Because movement always causes the casualty pain

Explanation

Unnecessary movement can aggravate suspected spinal, limb or internal injuries and may cause vomiting or airway problems. A casualty should be left in the position found unless they are in danger or their airway requires management.

Question 30Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

Which finding at an incident scene should make you hesitate before approaching a casualty?

  1. A colleague holding a first aid kit
  2. A casualty who is crying loudly
  3. A smell of gas and a hissing sound near a pipe Correct answer.
  4. A spilled cup of water on a desk

Explanation

A gas smell with hissing suggests a leak that could ignite or cause asphyxiation, so you must not enter until it is made safe. First aiders should withdraw, raise the alarm and let trained personnel isolate the hazard. Other cues are not immediate dangers.

Question 31Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

What is the purpose of the 'circulation' element in the primary assessment of an unresponsive casualty?

  1. To check the temperature of the extremities
  2. To count the casualty's respiratory rate for a full minute
  3. To assess for signs of life such as breathing and any obvious severe bleeding Correct answer.
  4. To measure the exact blood pressure

Explanation

The circulation step looks for signs of life and controls catastrophic bleeding that threatens the casualty. In first aid terms it focuses on whether the heart is circulating blood and whether major haemorrhage needs pressure. Precise measurements are not required.

Question 32Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

A casualty is lying at the bottom of a ladder with a suspected spinal injury and is in no immediate danger. What is the safest approach while waiting for the ambulance?

  1. Remove their helmet and straighten the neck
  2. Roll them onto their side immediately regardless of breathing
  3. Keep them still, support the head in line with the spine and monitor breathing Correct answer.
  4. Sit them upright and encourage them to walk

Explanation

With a suspected spinal injury and no immediate danger, the casualty should be kept still with the head supported in line with the spine. Breathing must be monitored continuously in case resuscitation is needed. Movement risks permanent damage.

Question 33Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

Which piece of information should you pass to the ambulance crew when they arrive?

  1. Only the casualty's name and address
  2. A clear handover of what happened, the casualty's condition and what you have done Correct answer.
  3. Your opinion of who caused the incident
  4. Nothing, because the crew will assess everything themselves

Explanation

A structured handover helps the crew continue care without repeating assessments. It should cover the mechanism of injury, the casualty's condition, any changes and the treatment given. This improves continuity and safety.

Question 34Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

You are the only first aider and two casualties are injured: one is bleeding heavily from an arm, the other has a minor graze. How should you prioritise?

  1. Treat the minor graze first because it is quicker
  2. Treat both at exactly the same time
  3. Ask the casualties to decide who goes first
  4. Control the severe bleeding first because it is life-threatening Correct answer.

Explanation

Casualties are prioritised by threat to life, so catastrophic bleeding is treated before minor injuries. The ABC priority means life-threatening problems come first. The minor graze can wait without harm.

Question 35Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

What does 'mechanism of injury' mean when assessing an incident?

  1. The type of dressing that will be needed
  2. The hospital department that will treat the casualty
  3. The casualty's previous medical conditions
  4. How the injury happened and the forces involved Correct answer.

Explanation

Mechanism of injury describes how the harm occurred, such as a fall from height or a crush. It helps the first aider predict hidden injuries and decide on urgency. It is gathered as part of the scene and history assessment.

Question 36Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

Why is it important to note the time an incident occurred and the time consciousness was lost, if applicable?

  1. Because it determines who is legally liable
  2. Because it is required before CPR can be started
  3. Because it decides which hospital will accept the casualty
  4. Because it helps the ambulance crew understand the casualty's condition and its progression Correct answer.

Explanation

Times of injury and of any loss of consciousness help clinicians judge how the casualty's condition is evolving. They guide decisions about head injury and shock. Accurate timing is therefore part of a good handover.

Question 37Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

A casualty is trapped under a heavy object in a warehouse and is conscious. What should you do first?

  1. Try to lift the object alone immediately
  2. Pull the casualty out by the arms
  3. Give the casualty food and drink to keep their strength up
  4. Ensure the scene is safe, call for emergency help and keep the casualty still and warm Correct answer.

Explanation

With a trapped casualty, the priority is scene safety, summoning specialist help and preventing further harm. The casualty should be kept still and warm while waiting. Attempting to free them alone risks worsening injuries and harming the rescuer.

Question 38Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

Which of these best describes the role of a first aider at an incident before emergency services arrive?

  1. To preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery within their training Correct answer.
  2. To complete the accident report before helping the casualty
  3. To take charge of the whole workplace and direct all staff
  4. To diagnose the casualty's condition and prescribe treatment

Explanation

The first aider's aims are to preserve life, prevent the condition worsening and promote recovery, working within their training. They do not diagnose or prescribe. Paperwork follows care, not the other way round.

Question 39Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

You suspect a casualty has been exposed to a hazardous chemical that is still present in the air. What is the correct initial action?

  1. Do not enter; move to a safe area, raise the alarm and call for specialist help Correct answer.
  2. Enter and drag the casualty to safety
  3. Hold your breath and give rescue breaths
  4. Open a window and continue treating in the same room

Explanation

An atmosphere that may still contain a hazardous substance is unsafe to enter, even to rescue. The correct action is to stay clear, alert others and call for specialist responders. Entering could create a second casualty.

Question 40Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

When making the emergency call, why is it useful to follow the call handler's instructions even if they differ from your initial plan?

  1. Because the call handler is legally responsible for the casualty
  2. Because the call handler has clinical training and can guide CPR and defibrillator use Correct answer.
  3. Because they will send someone to take over immediately
  4. Because their instructions replace the need for any first aid

Explanation

Emergency call handlers are trained to give instructions such as CPR rate and defibrillator use while help is on the way. Following their guidance improves the quality of care. They support, rather than replace, the first aider's actions.

Question 41Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

Which action best demonstrates 'promoting recovery' as part of the first aider's role after immediate danger has passed?

  1. Sending the casualty home alone to rest
  2. Keeping the casualty warm, comfortable and reassured while awaiting transport Correct answer.
  3. Encouraging the casualty to walk around to stay alert
  4. Giving the casualty a strong painkiller from your own supply

Explanation

Promoting recovery includes keeping the casualty warm, comfortable and reassured, and arranging appropriate onward care. These measures support circulation and reduce shock. Medication and unsupervised departure are not appropriate.

Question 42Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

At a road traffic incident, a casualty is still inside a vehicle and is breathing. What is the safest initial approach?

  1. Ask the casualty to climb out and sit on the kerb
  2. Keep the casualty still, ensure the engine is off if safe, and call emergency services Correct answer.
  3. Remove the seatbelt and lay the casualty on the road
  4. Drag the casualty out through the window

Explanation

A casualty inside a vehicle with suspected injuries should be kept still while emergency services are called. Switching off the engine if it is safe reduces fire risk. Moving them risks worsening spinal injuries.

Question 43Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

What should you do if a casualty refuses your help but is clearly unwell?

  1. Ignore them and walk away without doing anything
  2. Respect their refusal, stay with them, keep monitoring and call for help if their condition worsens Correct answer.
  3. Force treatment because you are the trained first aider
  4. Give them a drink to calm them down

Explanation

A conscious adult with capacity can refuse help, and that refusal should be respected. The first aider should stay nearby, monitor the casualty and summon help if the condition deteriorates. Forcing treatment could be assault.

Question 44Assessing an incident, scene safety and summoning help

Which detail is most useful to record in the incident report after giving first aid?

  1. A detailed opinion about the casualty's personality
  2. Only the names of people who watched
  3. The casualty's condition, the treatment given and the times involved Correct answer.
  4. The weather conditions at the time

Explanation

An incident report should record objective facts: the casualty's condition, what was done, and the times. These details support continuity of care and any later investigation. Personal opinions and irrelevant details should be excluded.

Question 45Managing an unresponsive casualty who is breathing (recovery position)

When placing a breathing unresponsive casualty into the recovery position, which limb should be positioned to stop the casualty rolling forwards onto their face?

  1. The upper arm, folded across the chest
  2. The upper leg, bent at the knee and resting on the ground Correct answer.
  3. Both arms, extended above the head
  4. The lower leg, kept straight and in line with the body

Explanation

Bending the upper leg at the knee and resting that knee on the ground acts as a prop that prevents the casualty rolling onto their face. The lower leg stays roughly straight and underneath, giving a stable base. This is the standard final step of the recovery position.

Question 46Managing an unresponsive casualty who is breathing (recovery position)

Why is the recovery position used for an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally?

  1. To slow the heart rate and reduce the risk of cardiac arrest
  2. To keep the airway open and allow fluid or vomit to drain away Correct answer.
  3. To keep the casualty warm until emergency help arrives
  4. To prevent the casualty from moving and causing further injury

Explanation

The recovery position uses gravity to keep the tongue forward and let vomit, blood or other fluids drain from the mouth rather than being inhaled. Protecting the airway is the whole purpose of the position. Warming, immobilising and slowing the heart are not its aims.

Question 47Managing an unresponsive casualty who is breathing (recovery position)

You have placed an unresponsive breathing casualty in the recovery position. How often should you monitor their breathing while waiting for the ambulance?

  1. Only if the casualty's colour changes
  2. Continuously, checking the airway and breathing without interruption Correct answer.
  3. Once every ten minutes until help arrives
  4. Every two minutes for the first hour, then stop

Explanation

A casualty in the recovery position can deteriorate and stop breathing, so airway and breathing must be monitored continuously. Any change means reassessing and being ready to start CPR. Intermittent checks risk missing a cardiac arrest.

Question 48Managing an unresponsive casualty who is breathing (recovery position)

Before rolling an unresponsive casualty into the recovery position, what should you confirm?

  1. That the casualty has regained consciousness
  2. That the casualty has no fractures
  3. That the casualty is breathing normally Correct answer.
  4. That the casualty has no spinal injury

Explanation

The recovery position is only appropriate for a casualty who is unresponsive but breathing normally. If breathing is absent or abnormal, you must call for help and begin CPR instead. Suspected spinal injury is not an absolute barrier when the airway is at risk.

Question 49Managing an unresponsive casualty who is breathing (recovery position)

What is the correct first action when you find a casualty who appears unresponsive?

  1. Begin chest compressions straight away
  2. Place them in the recovery position and leave to fetch an ambulance
  3. Shout for help and gently shake their shoulders to check response Correct answer.
  4. Immediately roll them into the recovery position

Explanation

The first step is to check for a response by shouting and gently shaking the shoulders, then open the airway and check breathing. Only a breathing unresponsive casualty goes into the recovery position. Never leave the casualty alone to fetch help.

Question 50Managing an unresponsive casualty who is breathing (recovery position)

Which of these casualties is most suitable for the recovery position?

  1. A conscious adult with a suspected broken ankle
  2. A conscious adult who feels faint
  3. An unresponsive adult who is not breathing
  4. An unresponsive adult who is breathing normally Correct answer.

Explanation

The recovery position is for an unresponsive casualty with normal breathing. Someone who is not breathing needs CPR, and a conscious casualty does not need the position at all. It is specifically an airway-protection measure for the unresponsive.