Safety Training Seminars
Safety Training Seminars
Preparing for a CPR and first-aid certification test? You’re not alone. Thousands of healthcare professionals, childcare providers, and everyday citizens take these exams every year to earn life-saving certifications.
Whether you’re getting certified for the first time or renewing your credentials, knowing what questions to expect can make all the difference. The test covers critical skills—from performing chest compressions to treating severe bleeding. Getting these answers right could help you save a life when it matters most.
This guide walks you through the most common CPR and first-aid test questions. You’ll learn the correct answers, understand why they matter, and gain confidence before test day. Let’s get started.
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It’s a technique that keeps blood flowing to the brain and vital organs when someone’s heart stops beating. Here are the fundamental questions you’ll likely see on your test.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The term breaks down into three parts: “cardio” (heart), “pulmonary” (lungs), and “resuscitation” (revival). Understanding this helps you remember that CPR addresses both heart function and breathing.
Start CPR immediately when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Don’t wait for professional help to arrive. Every minute without CPR decreases survival chances by 7-10%.
30 compressions to 2 breaths. This ratio applies whether you’re working alone or with a partner. The compressions keep blood circulating, while the breaths provide oxygen.
At least 2 inches (5 centimeters) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 centimeters). Pushing too shallow won’t circulate blood effectively. Going too deep risks injury to the ribs or internal organs.
100 to 120 compressions per minute. Think of the beat to the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees—it matches this rhythm perfectly. Maintaining this pace ensures adequate blood flow.
On the lower half of the breastbone (sternum), at the center of the chest. Place one hand on top of the other, interlocking your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
CPR techniques differ for children and infants because their bodies are smaller and more fragile. These questions test your knowledge of age-appropriate techniques.
An infant is anyone younger than 1 year old. This age classification matters because the technique changes significantly from adult CPR.
Two fingers. Place them just below the nipple line at the center of the chest. Using two fingers prevents excessive force that could damage an infant’s delicate ribs and organs.
About 1.5 inches (4 centimeters). This is shallower than adult compressions because infants have smaller bodies and more flexible chest walls.
15 compressions to 2 breaths. This differs from the 30:2 ratio used for adults or single-rescuer pediatric CPR. The increased frequency of breaths accounts for children’s higher oxygen needs.
Tap the bottom of the infant’s foot and shout their name. Never shake an infant, as this can cause serious injury. If there’s no response, call for help immediately.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can restart a heart that’s stopped beating effectively. These devices are found in airports, schools, gyms, and many public spaces.
Automated External Defibrillator. The device automatically analyzes the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed.
Use an AED on someone who is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse. The device works best when applied as quickly as possible after cardiac arrest occurs.
Yes, but avoid placing the AED pads directly over the pacemaker device. You’ll typically see or feel a small bump under the skin where the pacemaker sits. Place the pad at least one inch away from this area.
No. Move the person to a dry area first. Water conducts electricity and could cause the shock to spread, potentially harming you or bystanders. Quickly dry the person’s chest before applying the pads.
Yes, if a pediatric AED is not available. However, use pediatric pads if they’re included with the device. Some AEDs have a key or switch that reduces the shock energy for children.
Continue CPR immediately. “No shock advised” means the heart rhythm doesn’t require defibrillation, but the person still needs chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation.
Choking happens when food or an object blocks the airway. Quick action can prevent brain damage or death from oxygen deprivation.
Hands clutched to the throat. When someone is truly choking, they usually can’t speak or cough forcefully. They may turn blue and appear panicked.
Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts). Stand behind the person, make a fist above their navel, and thrust inward and upward. Repeat until the object comes out or the person becomes unconscious.
Lower them to the ground and begin CPR. The chest compressions may help dislodge the object. Before giving rescue breaths, look inside the mouth and remove any visible obstruction.
Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts. Support the infant face-down on your forearm, with their head lower than their chest. Deliver firm back blows between the shoulder blades, then turn them over and give chest thrusts.
Yes. Make a fist above your navel and thrust inward and upward. You can also lean over a solid object like a chair back and press your abdomen against it forcefully.
Controlling bleeding quickly prevents shock and saves lives. These questions cover essential wound care techniques.
Apply direct pressure to the wound. Use a clean cloth, gauze, or even your gloved hand. Don’t remove the first layer if it becomes blood-soaked—add more material on top and keep pressing.
When direct pressure doesn’t stop life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg. Place the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound (closer to the heart). Note the time you applied it, as this information is critical for medical responders.
Have the person sit upright and lean slightly forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes without releasing. Leaning forward prevents blood from flowing down the throat.
Leave it in place and stabilize it. Don’t pull out objects like glass or knives—they may be plugging the wound and preventing worse bleeding. Apply pressure around the object and wait for professional help.
Rinse with clean water. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on open wounds, as these can damage tissue and slow healing. After cleaning, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
Heart attacks and strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate action. Recognizing the signs quickly can minimize damage and improve outcomes.
Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, nausea, and cold sweats. Symptoms may differ in women, who often experience fatigue, back pain, or nausea without severe chest pain.
Call 911 immediately and have them chew an aspirin if they’re not allergic. Aspirin helps prevent blood clots from growing. Have them sit or lie down in a comfortable position and stay with them until help arrives.
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911. FAST helps people remember the most common stroke symptoms and emphasizes the urgency of getting help.
No. Unlike heart attacks, some strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain. Aspirin could make bleeding worse. Only emergency medical professionals can determine the type of stroke and appropriate treatment.
Lying on their side with their head slightly elevated. This position (recovery position) helps keep their airway clear and prevents choking if they vomit.
From minor burns to severe allergic reactions, knowing how to respond to various emergencies is essential.
Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 10 minutes. Don’t use ice, as it can damage tissue. After cooling, cover with a sterile, non-stick bandage. Never apply butter or oil to burns.
Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, and hives. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate use of an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and emergency medical care.
Remove it from the carrier tube and hold it firmly against the outer thigh. Push down hard until you hear a click, then hold it in place for 3 seconds. You can inject through clothing if necessary. Always call 911 after using an EpiPen.
Lying on the side with one knee bent and head slightly tilted back. This position keeps the airway open and prevents choking if the person vomits. Use it for unconscious individuals who are breathing.
Lay them down and elevate their legs about 12 inches (unless you suspect head, neck, or back injuries). Keep them warm with blankets and reassure them. Don’t give them anything to eat or drink.
Seizures can be frightening to witness, but knowing the right response keeps the person safe until the seizure ends.
Protect them from injury by moving nearby objects away. Place something soft under their head. Time the seizure. Never put anything in their mouth or try to restrain them.
Call if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, the person doesn’t regain consciousness, they have multiple seizures in a row, or they’re injured during the seizure. Also call if it’s their first known seizure.
If the person is conscious and can swallow, give them sugar—juice, candy, or glucose tablets. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause confusion, shakiness, and loss of consciousness.
Help them sit upright and use their prescribed inhaler. Encourage slow, deep breaths. Call 911 if they don’t improve within minutes, their lips turn blue, or they can’t speak in full sentences.
Now that you’ve reviewed these essential CPR and first-aid test questions, you’re better equipped to pass your certification exam and respond effectively in real emergencies. Remember, the key to mastering these skills is practice and repetition.
At Safety Training Seminars, we’ve been preparing individuals for emergency response since 1989. We’re an American Heart Association Training Center with over 70 locations throughout California, offering convenient daily classes including evenings and weekends. Our three-step process makes certification simple: complete the online course at your own pace, perform skills testing at one of our offices, and receive your American Heart Association card the same day.
We specialize in BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, CPR, and First Aid courses for both healthcare professionals and the general public. With thousands of five-star reviews and excellent customer support available seven days a week from 8 AM to 10 PM, we’re committed to providing the best training experience possible. Plus, we back our services with a low price guarantee.
Whether you’re a medical professional renewing your credentials or a childcare provider seeking certification, we make the process straightforward and stress-free. Visit us at one of our many California locations in cities like Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fresno, Bakersfield, or Redding. Book your appointment today and join the thousands of people we’ve helped become confident, certified lifesavers.