TheoryFirst Aid at Work (HSE, UK) Practice Questions
Free First Aid at Work (HSE, UK) practice questions with answers and plain-English explanations. Browse the PDF, video and online mock test.
First Aid at Work (HSE, UK) Questions
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Q1In the DR ABC action plan, what does the first 'D' stand for?
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✓ Correct answer: Danger
DR ABC begins with Danger. Always check for hazards to yourself, the casualty and bystanders before approaching.
Q2What is the correct order of the DR ABC primary survey?
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✓ Correct answer: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (CPR)
DR ABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (CPR), in that order — the primary survey taught in UK first aid.
Q3What is the very first thing you should do on arriving at an emergency scene?
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✓ Correct answer: Check the area for danger to yourself and others
Checking for danger first protects you, the casualty and bystanders. An injured rescuer cannot help anyone.
Q4How should you check whether a collapsed person is responsive?
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✓ Correct answer: Talk to them and gently squeeze their shoulders ('talk and touch')
Check response by talking and touching: give a simple command and gently squeeze the shoulders. Never shake a casualty violently.
Q5What is the emergency telephone number for an ambulance in the UK?
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✓ Correct answer: 999
999 is the primary emergency number in the UK. 112 also works (including from a mobile), but 999 is the main number to call.
Q6An adult collapses, is unresponsive and is NOT breathing normally. What should you do?
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✓ Correct answer: Begin CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths)
An unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally is in cardiac arrest. Start CPR immediately and send for an AED.
Q7A casualty is unresponsive but IS breathing normally. What is the best position for them?
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✓ Correct answer: On their side in the recovery position
An unconscious casualty who is breathing should be placed on their side (recovery position) to keep the airway clear and let fluids drain.
Q8Why is the recovery (side) position used for an unconscious, breathing casualty?
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✓ Correct answer: It keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain so they do not choke
On their side, the tongue is less likely to block the airway and any vomit or fluid can drain out rather than being inhaled.
Q9How do you open the airway of an unconscious adult?
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✓ Correct answer: Tilt the head back and lift the chin
A gentle head-tilt and chin-lift moves the tongue away from the back of the throat and opens the airway.
Q10You are alone with an unresponsive adult and have a mobile phone. What should you do?
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✓ Correct answer: Call 999, put it on speaker, and stay with the casualty to give CPR
Call 999 on speaker so you can follow the dispatcher's instructions and start CPR without leaving the casualty.
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