Red Cross First Aid Exam Prep
Practice Test

A. Decision fatigue — people cannot process emergencies after a long day

B. Fear of liability — bystanders worry they will be sued for helping

C. Selective attention — people focus on their own activities

D. The bystander effect — diffusion of responsibility when others are present ✓

Correct — D. The bystander effect describes the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help in an emergency when others are present, because each person assumes someone else will take responsibility. This diffusion of responsibility can be overcome by directly assigning the task ('You, call 911 now').

A. Assess the scene for hazards to ensure rescuer safety ✓

B. Send a bystander to retrieve the nearest first aid kit

C. Call out to the victim to check responsiveness

D. Begin chest compressions if the person appears unresponsive

Correct — A. Scene safety is the first priority. Approaching an unsafe scene — such as one with moving traffic, electrical hazards, or toxic fumes — can turn the rescuer into a second victim. Only after confirming the scene is safe should the first aider approach and assess the victim.

A. Lateral recovery position on their side ✓

B. Prone (face down) with arms extended

C. Supine (flat on their back) with legs elevated

D. Sitting upright at 90 degrees

Correct — A. A breathing but unconscious or semi-conscious victim should be placed in the recovery (lateral recumbent) position. This keeps the airway open and allows fluid or vomit to drain, preventing airway obstruction while EMS is en route.

A. Upper arm (deltoid)

B. Buttock

C. Abdomen

D. Outer mid-thigh ✓

Correct — D. Epinephrine auto-injectors are designed to be injected into the outer mid-thigh (vastus lateralis muscle), which provides reliable absorption and is accessible even through clothing in an emergency.

A. 5 compressions to 1 breath

B. 30 compressions to 1 breath

C. 15 compressions to 2 breaths

D. 30 compressions to 2 breaths ✓

Correct — D. The Canadian Red Cross standard for a single rescuer performing adult CPR is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio optimizes the balance between maintaining circulation and providing oxygenation.

A. Begin rescue breaths

B. Start chest compressions at 100 compressions per minute

C. Check for breathing immediately

D. Tap the person on the shoulders and shout 'Are you okay?' to check responsiveness ✓

Correct — D. After confirming scene safety, the first aider should check for responsiveness by tapping the shoulders and shouting. This determines whether the person is conscious before proceeding to the ABCs and prevents unnecessary intervention on someone who is merely sleeping.

A. Life-threatening limb bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure ✓

B. Venous bleeding to prevent contamination

C. Any bleeding wound on the arm or leg

D. After at least 30 minutes of unsuccessful direct pressure

Correct — A. A tourniquet is indicated when direct pressure cannot control life-threatening bleeding from a limb. It should be applied 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) above the wound, tightened until bleeding stops, and the time of application recorded. It is not a first resort for all limb wounds.

A. Postictal state — place the person in the recovery position and monitor ✓

B. Pre-ictal phase — prepare to intervene for the main seizure

C. Tonic phase — provide rescue breaths

D. Clonic phase — begin chest compressions

Correct — A. The postictal state is the recovery period following a seizure, marked by confusion, drowsiness, and decreased responsiveness lasting up to 20 minutes. The person should be placed in the recovery position to maintain airway patency and monitored until fully conscious.