CPC First Aid 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the signs that a casualty may be going into shock?
- Red face and slow pulse
- Pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, and rapid shallow breathing (Correct answer)
- High temperature and sweating
- Loud aggressive behaviour
Correct answer: Pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, and rapid shallow breathing
Signs of shock include pale, cold, and clammy skin; a rapid but weak pulse; rapid shallow breathing; nausea; dizziness; and confusion. Shock can be life-threatening and requires the casualty to lie down with legs elevated (unless contraindicated).
Question 2: How should you treat a burn from hot liquid or chemicals?
- Apply butter or cream immediately
- Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, then cover with a sterile dressing or cling film (Correct answer)
- Pop any blisters that form
- Apply ice directly to the burn
Correct answer: Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, then cover with a sterile dressing or cling film
Burns should be cooled under cool (not ice cold) running water for at least 20 minutes. Remove clothing near the burn (unless stuck to it). Cover with a sterile dressing or clean cling film. Never apply creams, butter, or ice, and do not burst blisters.
Question 3: What is the correct ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths in adult CPR?
- 15 compressions to 1 breath
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 5 compressions to 1 breath
- 10 compressions to 3 breaths
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
For adult CPR, the ratio is 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths. Compressions should be at a rate of 100-120 per minute, pressing down 5-6 cm on the centre of the chest. If unable or unwilling to give breaths, continuous compressions alone can help.
Question 4: If a casualty has an object embedded in a wound, what should you do?
- Pull the object out immediately
- Leave it in place, apply pressure around (not on) the object, and build up padding either side (Correct answer)
- Push the object in further to stop bleeding
- Wiggle the object to assess how deep it is
Correct answer: Leave it in place, apply pressure around (not on) the object, and build up padding either side
Never remove an embedded object as it may be stemming blood flow. Apply pressure around the object, build up padding either side to support it, and bandage around it. Removing it could cause catastrophic bleeding.
Question 5: What is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and when should it be used?
- A device for checking blood pressure
- A device that analyses heart rhythm and delivers a shock if needed, used when someone is in cardiac arrest (Correct answer)
- A diagnostic tool used only by doctors
- A device for treating broken bones
Correct answer: A device that analyses heart rhythm and delivers a shock if needed, used when someone is in cardiac arrest
An AED analyses the heart's rhythm and, if it detects a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation), delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart function. It should be used as soon as possible on anyone in cardiac arrest, alongside CPR.
Question 6: How should you treat a suspected broken bone (fracture)?
- Try to straighten the limb
- Immobilise the injury by supporting it in the position found, apply a cold pack, and seek medical help (Correct answer)
- Massage the area to reduce swelling
- Get the casualty to move the limb to test if it is broken
Correct answer: Immobilise the injury by supporting it in the position found, apply a cold pack, and seek medical help
Do not attempt to straighten or move the injured limb. Support and immobilise it in the position found using padding, slings, or splints if available. Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling, and arrange for medical attention.
