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NIMASA STCW EFA study materials
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NIMASA STCW EFA practice questions

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Question 1Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

On a vessel at sea, a crew member collapses and is unresponsive but is breathing normally. According to STCW elementary first aid principles, which action should be taken first?

  1. Give the casualty sips of water to revive them
  2. Leave the casualty alone to recover naturally
  3. Begin chest compressions immediately
  4. Place the casualty in the recovery position and monitor breathing Correct answer.

Explanation

An unresponsive casualty who is breathing should be managed to keep the airway open, and the recovery position achieves this while allowing continued observation of breathing. Chest compressions are only for a casualty who is not breathing normally. Fluids must never be given to an unresponsive person because of the choking risk.

Question 2Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR when two trained rescuers are present?

  1. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations Correct answer.
  2. 5 compressions to 1 ventilation
  3. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
  4. 10 compressions to 5 ventilations

Explanation

Current adult CPR guidance uses 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, whether one or two rescuers are present. This ratio maintains circulation while limiting interruptions. Other ratios apply to some paediatric protocols or are simply incorrect.

Question 3Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has a deep cut on the forearm with steady bleeding. Which measure best controls the bleeding as a first aid step?

  1. Wash the wound vigorously with seawater
  2. Apply direct pressure on the wound with a sterile dressing Correct answer.
  3. Elevate the arm above the head without any pressure
  4. Apply a tourniquet immediately as the first step

Explanation

Direct pressure over the wound with a clean or sterile dressing is the primary method for controlling significant bleeding. A tourniquet is reserved for life-threatening limb bleeding that direct pressure cannot control. Seawater irrigation risks infection and does not stop bleeding.

Question 4Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which finding is the most reliable sign that a casualty requires rescue breathing?

  1. The casualty complains of thirst
  2. The casualty is pale and sweating
  3. The casualty is not breathing or is only gasping Correct answer.
  4. The casualty has a rapid pulse

Explanation

Absent breathing or only occasional gasping indicates that rescue breathing and CPR are needed. Gasping is not effective breathing and must be treated as cardiac arrest. Pallor, sweating, thirst and rapid pulse are signs of illness or shock but do not alone indicate the need for rescue breathing.

Question 5Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A casualty is choking and cannot speak or cough effectively. What should be done?

  1. Give the casualty water to wash the object down
  2. Give up to five back blows between the shoulder blades Correct answer.
  3. Lay the casualty flat and wait for the obstruction to clear
  4. Perform abdominal thrusts while the casualty is standing on tiptoe

Explanation

For a severe choking episode in a conscious adult, up to five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades are given first, followed by abdominal thrusts if the obstruction persists. Fluids should not be given because the airway is blocked. Waiting allows the casualty to deteriorate.

Question 6Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

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

  1. About 5 to 6 cm Correct answer.
  2. About 10 cm
  3. About 2 cm
  4. About 1 cm

Explanation

Adult chest compressions should depress the sternum approximately 5 to 6 cm, allowing full recoil between compressions. Shallower compressions generate inadequate circulation, while excessive depth increases the risk of internal injury. Compression depth is a core quality marker in CPR.

Question 7Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member suffers a burn from a hot steam pipe. Which immediate first aid measure is appropriate?

  1. Apply butter or oil to the burn
  2. Burst any blisters that form
  3. Cover the burn tightly with a dry woollen cloth
  4. Cool the burn with clean running water for at least ten minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Cooling a burn with clean running water for at least ten minutes limits tissue damage and relieves pain. Traditional remedies such as butter or oil trap heat and increase infection risk. Blisters should be left intact, and the burn should be covered with a clean non-adherent dressing.

Question 8Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which of the following best describes the recovery position?

  1. Lying the casualty face down with arms at the sides
  2. Sitting the casualty upright against a bulkhead
  3. Lying the casualty flat on the back with legs raised
  4. Lying the casualty on the side with the head slightly lower and the airway clear Correct answer.

Explanation

The recovery position places an unresponsive but breathing casualty on their side with the head tilted slightly back and down so fluids can drain and the airway stays open. It also prevents the tongue from blocking the airway. The other positions either obstruct the airway or do not protect it.

Question 9Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A casualty is showing signs of shock after a fall. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Lay the casualty down and keep them warm while monitoring vital signs Correct answer.
  2. Leave the casualty standing to avoid dizziness
  3. Make the casualty walk around to stimulate circulation
  4. Give the casualty a hot drink to warm them up

Explanation

Shock management includes laying the casualty down, keeping them warm, and monitoring breathing and circulation while help is summoned. Hot drinks are contraindicated because of aspiration risk and because they do not treat the underlying cause. Exercise worsens shock by increasing demand on the circulation.

Question 10Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

What is the first priority when approaching a casualty on deck?

  1. Check for danger to yourself and the casualty before approaching Correct answer.
  2. Begin CPR immediately from a distance
  3. Move the casualty to the mess room
  4. Ask the casualty for their medical history first

Explanation

Scene safety is always assessed first so that the rescuer does not become a second casualty. Only once the area is safe should the rescuer check responsiveness, airway, breathing and circulation. Moving a casualty or taking a history before ensuring safety can worsen the situation.

Question 11Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has been pulled from the water and is not breathing. After calling for help and opening the airway, what should be done next?

  1. Turn the casualty face down to drain water
  2. Give two rescue breaths and begin compressions Correct answer.
  3. Give abdominal thrusts to expel water
  4. Wait for the casualty to cough up water

Explanation

A drowning casualty who is not breathing requires immediate rescue breaths followed by chest compressions as part of CPR. Attempts to drain water from the lungs are ineffective and delay essential resuscitation. Abdominal thrusts are not indicated for drowning.

Question 12Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which of the following is a correct method for assessing whether a casualty is breathing normally?

  1. Look, listen and feel for breathing for up to ten seconds Correct answer.
  2. Feel the pulse at the wrist for thirty seconds
  3. Ask the casualty to count aloud to ten
  4. Check the pupils of the eyes

Explanation

Breathing is assessed by looking for chest movement, listening for breath sounds and feeling for air on the cheek for up to ten seconds. Asking an unresponsive casualty to count is impossible. Pupil checks and pulse checks do not confirm breathing.

Question 13Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A casualty has a suspected fracture of the lower leg. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Straighten the leg forcefully before splinting
  2. Immobilise the limb in the position found and support it Correct answer.
  3. Ask the casualty to walk to test the leg
  4. Massage the leg to improve circulation

Explanation

A suspected fracture should be immobilised in the position found and supported to prevent further damage and reduce pain. Forcing the limb straight may worsen injury to bone, nerves and blood vessels. Walking or massaging the limb risks displacing the fracture.

Question 14Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

What is the correct hand position for adult chest compressions?

  1. Heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum with the other hand on top Correct answer.
  2. One hand on the forehead and one on the chin
  3. Both hands on the left side of the chest over the ribs
  4. Fingers of both hands over the upper abdomen

Explanation

Compressions are delivered with the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum and the second hand on top with fingers interlocked. Placing hands over the ribs or abdomen reduces effectiveness and risks injury. The head-tilt chin-lift is an airway manoeuvre, not a compression position.

Question 15Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A casualty is bleeding heavily from an arm wound and direct pressure has failed to control it. What is the next appropriate step?

  1. Apply a tourniquet above the wound on the limb Correct answer.
  2. Apply a second dressing without pressure
  3. Lower the limb below heart level
  4. Wash the wound with fresh water

Explanation

When direct pressure cannot control life-threatening limb bleeding, a tourniquet is applied proximal to the wound and the time of application is recorded. Simply adding a dressing without pressure does not control arterial bleeding. Washing the wound does not address haemorrhage.

Question 16Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which sign most strongly suggests that a casualty has suffered a stroke?

  1. Sudden facial droop and slurred speech Correct answer.
  2. Itching of the skin
  3. Bruising on the forearm
  4. A gradual onset of mild back pain

Explanation

Sudden facial weakness, slurred speech and limb weakness are classic stroke warning signs and require urgent evacuation. Back pain, bruising and itching are not characteristic of acute stroke. Early recognition allows prompt medical treatment and reduces long-term harm.

Question 17Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

What should be done for a casualty who has been exposed to a chemical splash on the skin?

  1. Wait to see whether a reaction develops
  2. Apply a tight bandage over the affected area
  3. Rub the chemical into the skin to dilute it
  4. Flush the area with large amounts of clean water and remove contaminated clothing Correct answer.

Explanation

Chemical contamination of the skin requires immediate and prolonged flushing with clean water while removing contaminated clothing. Rubbing spreads the chemical and worsens injury. Waiting allows the chemical to cause deeper tissue damage.

Question 18Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the primary assessment of a casualty?

  1. Airway, breathing, circulation Correct answer.
  2. Circulation, breathing, airway
  3. Circulation, airway, breathing
  4. Breathing, circulation, airway

Explanation

The primary assessment follows the ABC sequence: airway, breathing and circulation. This order ensures the most immediately life-threatening problems are addressed first. Reversing the order can allow airway obstruction to go untreated.

Question 19Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A casualty has suffered a head injury and is becoming drowsy. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Allow the casualty to sleep without observation
  2. Monitor the level of consciousness and arrange urgent medical evacuation Correct answer.
  3. Encourage the casualty to walk around
  4. Give the casualty a strong coffee to keep them awake

Explanation

A deteriorating level of consciousness after head injury signals possible serious brain injury and requires urgent medical evacuation with continuous monitoring. Stimulants such as coffee do not treat the injury and may mask deterioration. Allowing unobserved sleep risks missing a decline.

Question 20Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

What is the purpose of the head-tilt chin-lift manoeuvre?

  1. To check for a fracture of the jaw
  2. To open the airway by lifting the tongue away from the back of the throat Correct answer.
  3. To test the casualty's level of consciousness
  4. To measure the casualty's breathing rate

Explanation

The head-tilt chin-lift opens the airway by moving the tongue away from the posterior pharynx. It is a standard step before rescue breathing in a casualty without suspected spinal injury. It is not a test of consciousness, jaw fracture or breathing rate.

Question 21Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has been stung by a jellyfish while working over the side. Which first aid measure is recommended?

  1. Cover the area with a tight bandage
  2. Apply fresh water immediately to the sting
  3. Rinse the area with seawater and remove tentacles without bare hands Correct answer.
  4. Rub the area with sand to remove the sting

Explanation

Jellyfish stings are managed by rinsing with seawater and removing tentacles carefully without bare hands to avoid further stinging. Fresh water can trigger further nematocyst discharge. Rubbing with sand may spread venom and worsen pain.

Question 22Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

When should rescue breathing be given to a casualty?

  1. When the casualty is not breathing but has a pulse Correct answer.
  2. When the casualty is breathing rapidly
  3. When the casualty has a minor cut
  4. When the casualty is conscious and talking

Explanation

Rescue breathing is given when spontaneous breathing has stopped but circulation is still present. If circulation is also absent, full CPR with compressions is required. Rapid breathing, consciousness and minor wounds do not call for rescue breathing.

Question 23Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which action is correct when a casualty is having a seizure on deck?

  1. Protect the casualty from injury and do not restrain the limbs Correct answer.
  2. Give the casualty water during the seizure
  3. Hold the casualty's arms and legs firmly
  4. Place a spoon in the casualty's mouth

Explanation

During a seizure the priority is to protect the casualty from injury by clearing nearby hazards and cushioning the head, without restraining movement. Restraining limbs can cause injury. Nothing should be placed in the mouth, and fluids must not be given during the seizure.

Question 24Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has been exposed to extreme cold and shows confusion and slow responses. Which action is appropriate?

  1. Give the casualty alcohol to warm them
  2. Move the casualty to a warm place and remove wet clothing gradually Correct answer.
  3. Rub the affected skin vigorously with snow
  4. Immerse the casualty in very hot water immediately

Explanation

Hypothermia is managed by moving the casualty to warmth, removing wet clothing and rewarming gradually while monitoring vital signs. Vigorous rubbing can damage cold tissues. Alcohol worsens heat loss, and very hot water risks burns and cardiac stress.

Question 25Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

What is the main purpose of the secondary assessment in first aid?

  1. To obtain a history and check for injuries not found in the primary assessment Correct answer.
  2. To check the scene for hazards
  3. To replace the primary assessment
  4. To decide whether CPR is needed

Explanation

The secondary assessment follows the primary assessment and gathers a history and a head-to-toe check for injuries or conditions not immediately life-threatening. It does not replace the primary ABC assessment, determine the need for CPR, or assess scene safety.

Question 26Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

On a vessel, what is the first link in the chain of survival for a crew member found unresponsive in the accommodation?

  1. Waiting for the radio operator to contact shore medical advice
  2. Starting chest compressions before anyone else is aware
  3. Recognising the emergency and shouting for help or activating the alarm Correct answer.
  4. Carrying the casualty to the bridge for the master to assess

Explanation

The chain of survival begins with early recognition and calling for help, so that trained rescuers and equipment arrive quickly. Compressions or movement of the casualty should not delay alerting others, and shore advice is never the first step.

Question 27Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A rating collapses in the galley and does not respond to shouting. Which action should the first rescuer take immediately?

  1. Give two rescue breaths before doing anything else
  2. Pour water on the face to stimulate a reaction
  3. Check for a response and open the airway while calling for help Correct answer.
  4. Leave the casualty alone to fetch a stretcher

Explanation

An unresponsive casualty requires a rapid check of responsiveness and airway while help is summoned, following the accepted ABC approach. Rescue breaths are only given once breathing has been assessed as absent, and the rescuer should not leave the casualty unattended.

Question 28Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which description correctly identifies the compression point for chest compressions on an adult?

  1. The upper third of the breastbone, close to the throat
  2. Directly over the left nipple
  3. Below the rib cage, over the stomach area
  4. The centre of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone Correct answer.

Explanation

Compressions are delivered on the lower half of the sternum, in the centre of the chest, so that force is applied over the heart. Too high a position reduces effectiveness and too low a position risks damage to the abdomen.

Question 29Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member is found lying still on deck and is not breathing normally. What should the rescuer do after calling for help and confirming absence of normal breathing?

  1. Sit the casualty upright and give sips of water
  2. Apply a cervical collar and wait for the master
  3. Place the casualty in the recovery position and monitor
  4. Begin chest compressions and continue CPR until relieved or the casualty recovers Correct answer.

Explanation

When normal breathing is absent, CPR must begin immediately, starting with chest compressions, and continue until trained relief arrives or the casualty shows signs of life. Sitting the casualty up or placing an unresponsive non-breathing person in the recovery position would be harmful.

Question 30Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which finding indicates that a casualty is breathing normally during the primary assessment?

  1. Blue lips with no air movement at the nose or mouth
  2. Regular rise and fall of the chest with audible or felt air movement Correct answer.
  3. Occasional gasping sounds with no chest movement
  4. A single deep snore followed by silence

Explanation

Normal breathing shows regular chest rise and fall with air movement that can be seen, heard or felt. Occasional gasps, silence, or cyanosis without air movement are signs of abnormal or absent breathing requiring resuscitation.

Question 31Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which item of information is essential to record when providing first aid to an injured crew member?

  1. The time of injury, the treatment given and the casualty's condition over time Correct answer.
  2. The names of all crew members who were off duty
  3. The weather conditions at the time of the incident
  4. The casualty's home address and next of kin

Explanation

Accurate first aid records should capture when the incident happened, what was found, what treatment was given and how the casualty's condition changed. These details support handover to medical professionals and any subsequent investigation.

Question 32Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has a small foreign object lodged in the eye after grinding metal. What is the appropriate first aid action?

  1. Cover both eyes with a clean pad and arrange urgent medical assessment Correct answer.
  2. Flush the eye with strong pressure for several minutes
  3. Remove the object with tweezers and then apply eye drops
  4. Rub the eye vigorously to dislodge the object

Explanation

A foreign body in the eye should not be rubbed or removed by an untrained person, as this can cause further damage. The eye should be protected, both eyes covered to reduce movement, and the casualty referred urgently for medical assessment.

Question 33Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which of the following is the correct way to position a casualty who is breathing normally but unconscious and has no suspected spinal injury?

  1. Place the casualty in the recovery position on their side Correct answer.
  2. Place the casualty face down with the head turned
  3. Seat the casualty upright against a bulkhead
  4. Lie the casualty flat on their back with the head raised

Explanation

An unconscious but breathing casualty with no suspected spinal injury should be placed in the recovery position to keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain. Lying flat on the back risks the tongue or vomit blocking the airway.

Question 34Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has a deep cut on the forearm with steady bleeding. What should the rescuer apply first?

  1. A tourniquet above the wound
  2. Firm direct pressure on the wound with a sterile or clean dressing Correct answer.
  3. Cold water irrigation for ten minutes
  4. A tight bandage around the whole arm

Explanation

Direct pressure with a clean or sterile dressing is the first-line method for controlling external bleeding. A tourniquet is reserved for life-threatening bleeding that cannot be controlled by other means.

Question 35Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A casualty has a nosebleed after a fall against a rail. Which first aid measure is appropriate?

  1. Blow the nose forcefully to clear the blood
  2. Sit the casualty upright, lean the head slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose Correct answer.
  3. Lie the casualty flat and apply ice to the forehead
  4. Lean the head back and pinch the bridge of the nose

Explanation

For a nosebleed the casualty should sit upright, lean slightly forward so blood does not run into the throat, and pinch the soft part of the nose to apply pressure. Leaning back can cause blood to be swallowed and induce vomiting.

Question 36Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has been exposed to a chemical splash on the skin. After ensuring the rescuer's own safety, what is the priority action?

  1. Neutralise the chemical with another substance
  2. Rub the area dry with a towel
  3. Apply a dry dressing and cover the area
  4. Flush the affected area with copious clean water for at least 15 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Chemical contamination of the skin requires prolonged flushing with copious clean water to dilute and remove the substance. Neutralising chemicals can cause an exothermic reaction and further injury, and dry rubbing spreads the contaminant.

Question 37Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member is found with a suspected spinal injury after a fall in the engine room. Which action is most appropriate while awaiting medical advice?

  1. Remove the casualty's helmet and turn the head to the side
  2. Keep the casualty still, support the head and neck, and avoid unnecessary movement Correct answer.
  3. Sit the casualty up and ask them to walk
  4. Move the casualty to a bunk for comfort

Explanation

For a suspected spinal injury the casualty should be kept still with the head and neck supported until trained help arrives. Unnecessary movement or turning of the head risks worsening spinal cord damage.

Question 38Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member is having a seizure on deck. Which action is correct?

  1. Give water to the casualty during the seizure
  2. Place a spoon between the teeth to protect the tongue
  3. Restrain the limbs to stop the movements
  4. Protect the head, clear nearby hazards and time the seizure Correct answer.

Explanation

During a seizure the rescuer should protect the casualty from injury, clear dangerous objects away and record the duration of the seizure. Restraining the casualty or placing objects in the mouth can cause injury.

Question 39Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A conscious casualty has swallowed a corrosive substance. What is the appropriate first aid action?

  1. Induce vomiting to remove the substance
  2. Do not induce vomiting; give small sips of water if advised and seek urgent medical help Correct answer.
  3. Give large amounts of milk to neutralise the substance
  4. Give a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda

Explanation

Corrosive ingestion should not be treated by inducing vomiting, as the substance will burn the oesophagus and mouth again on the way out. Small sips of water may be given if advised, and urgent medical help is required.

Question 40Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which sign most strongly suggests that a crew member has suffered a stroke?

  1. A rash on the forearms after sun exposure
  2. A mild headache that improves with rest
  3. A gradual ache in both shoulders after lifting
  4. Sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body Correct answer.

Explanation

Sudden one-sided weakness, facial droop, or speech disturbance are classic warning signs of stroke and require urgent medical assessment. Bilateral aches, rashes or improving headaches do not fit the stroke pattern.

Question 41Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has been pulled from the water and is not breathing. After calling for help and opening the airway, what should the rescuer do next?

  1. Give five abdominal thrusts
  2. Wait for the casualty to cough
  3. Check for normal breathing for no more than ten seconds and begin CPR if absent Correct answer.
  4. Place the casualty in the recovery position

Explanation

After opening the airway the rescuer should look, listen and feel for normal breathing for no more than ten seconds. If normal breathing is absent, CPR should begin immediately; the recovery position is only for casualties who are breathing.

Question 42Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member is choking on food and can still cough forcefully. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Give water to wash the food down
  2. Encourage coughing and monitor closely Correct answer.
  3. Give five back blows immediately
  4. Perform abdominal thrusts straight away

Explanation

A casualty who can cough forcefully is still moving air and should be encouraged to cough while being monitored. Back blows or abdominal thrusts are reserved for a casualty whose cough becomes ineffective or who cannot breathe.

Question 43Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A conscious casualty has a suspected fractured forearm. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Straighten the arm forcefully to check for deformity
  2. Ask the casualty to move the arm to test the joint
  3. Immobilise the arm in the position found and support it with a sling Correct answer.
  4. Apply a tight bandage directly over the fracture site

Explanation

A suspected fracture should be immobilised in the position found and supported, using a sling or splint as appropriate, to prevent further damage. Forceful straightening or testing movement can worsen the injury.

Question 44Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member has been burned by hot steam. Which immediate measure is appropriate?

  1. Burst any blisters that form
  2. Apply butter or oil to the burn
  3. Cool the burn with clean running water for at least 20 minutes Correct answer.
  4. Cover the burn tightly with a dry towel

Explanation

A steam burn should be cooled with clean running water for at least 20 minutes to limit tissue damage and relieve pain. Home remedies such as butter or oil trap heat and increase infection risk, and blisters should be left intact.

Question 45Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Which finding indicates that a casualty has entered cardiac arrest?

  1. The casualty has a rapid pulse and is sweating
  2. The casualty is pale and feels dizzy
  3. The casualty complains of chest pain and nausea
  4. The casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally Correct answer.

Explanation

Cardiac arrest is identified by unresponsiveness together with absent or abnormal breathing, and requires immediate CPR. Dizziness, sweating or chest pain may indicate other cardiac problems but do not by themselves confirm arrest.

Question 46Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

During CPR on a crew member, a second trained rescuer arrives with a bag-valve mask. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Continue compressions with minimal interruption while the second rescuer takes over ventilation Correct answer.
  2. Stop compressions and discuss the situation
  3. Ask the second rescuer to fetch the AED and wait
  4. Change roles every two minutes and stop all activity during the change

Explanation

Effective CPR requires minimal interruption of chest compressions while ventilation is provided by a second rescuer. Role changes should be planned to keep interruptions brief, and an AED should be applied as soon as it is available.

Question 47Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member is found unresponsive in a confined space and the atmosphere may be hazardous. What should the rescuer do first?

  1. Ensure the rescuer's own safety, raise the alarm and use appropriate breathing apparatus Correct answer.
  2. Give rescue breaths at the entrance of the space
  3. Enter immediately and drag the casualty out
  4. Close the hatch and wait for the atmosphere to clear

Explanation

In a suspected hazardous atmosphere, the rescuer must not enter without protection, as they may become a second casualty. The correct action is to raise the alarm and use appropriate breathing apparatus or await trained rescue.

Question 48Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A casualty with a suspected head injury becomes increasingly drowsy. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Place the casualty in the recovery position and leave them alone
  2. Monitor the level of consciousness closely and arrange urgent evacuation Correct answer.
  3. Allow the casualty to sleep and recheck in an hour
  4. Give the casualty a hot drink to keep them awake

Explanation

A deteriorating level of consciousness after a head injury is a red flag for rising intracranial pressure and requires close monitoring and urgent evacuation. Allowing sleep or giving drinks risks missing deterioration and aspiration.

Question 49Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

A crew member is bleeding heavily from a thigh wound and direct pressure has failed to control it. What is the next appropriate action?

  1. Give the casualty water and monitor the wound
  2. Apply a tourniquet above the wound and note the time Correct answer.
  3. Apply a second dressing over the first and wait
  4. Elevate the leg and continue pressure only

Explanation

When direct pressure fails to control life-threatening limb bleeding, a tourniquet should be applied above the wound and the time recorded. This allows the medical team to know how long the limb has been without circulation.

Question 50Elementary First Aid (STCW basic safety training)

Under the STCW elementary first aid framework, what is the main purpose of the initial assessment of a casualty on board ship?

  1. To record the casualty's medical history for the next of kin
  2. To complete the accident report required by the flag State
  3. To identify and treat immediate threats to airway, breathing and circulation Correct answer.
  4. To decide whether the casualty can return to duty the same day

Explanation

The primary assessment follows the airway, breathing and circulation sequence to find and correct conditions that threaten life within minutes. Documentation and administrative decisions come later, once the casualty is stabilised.