First Aid / CPR / AED (US) Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

In a mass-casualty incident using START triage, a victim who is breathing at 32 breaths/min and has a radial pulse is tagged:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Red (immediate). START triage tags RED/immediate for respirations >30/min, absent radial pulse, or altered mental status — this patient's respiratory rate of 32 meets the RED criterion.

Question 2

A rescuer suspects a gas leak in a building where a victim collapsed. The BEST action is to:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Call 911 and wait for trained responders to make the scene safe. Scene safety is paramount; a gas leak is an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) hazard. Rescuers should not enter and should activate 911 for specialized responders.

Question 3

Which vital sign is considered the MOST sensitive early indicator of shock?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Heart rate. Heart rate rises early in compensated shock before blood pressure drops, making tachycardia the most sensitive early vital sign indicator of hypovolemia or shock.

Question 4

Expressed consent requires that a patient:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Verbally or physically agree to treatment after being informed. Expressed (informed) consent means the competent, conscious adult has been told what the rescuer intends to do and has verbally or physically agreed to receive care.

Question 5

During a secondary survey, DCAP-BTLS is used to assess:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Head-to-toe physical findings on the body surface. DCAP-BTLS (Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling) is a systematic head-to-toe physical exam framework used in the secondary survey.

Question 6

A responsive adult refuses emergency care despite signs of a serious condition. The rescuer should:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Document the refusal, inform the patient of risks, and do not force treatment. A competent adult has the legal right to refuse care; the rescuer should document the refusal, clearly explain the risks of declining treatment, and respect the decision while continuing to offer help.

Question 7

Which of the following best defines 'duty to act' in a first aid context?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A trained rescuer's legal or professional obligation to respond. Duty to act applies to individuals with a professional or contractual obligation (e.g., lifeguards, EMTs on duty) to provide care; it does not generally apply to untrained bystanders.

Question 8

A normal respiratory rate for a resting adult is:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

12-20 breaths per minute. A resting adult respiratory rate of 12-20 breaths per minute is considered normal; rates outside this range may indicate respiratory distress or altered physiology.

Question 9

In START triage, a non-breathing adult victim who does not breathe after one airway repositioning attempt is tagged:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Black. In START triage, apneic adults who do not breathe after a single attempt to open the airway are tagged BLACK (expectant/deceased) because resources are directed to savable patients.

Question 10

Which action BEST reduces the bystander effect at an emergency scene?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Making direct eye contact with one person and assigning them a specific task. Direct assignment — pointing at one person and saying 'You in the red shirt, call 911 now' — overcomes diffusion of responsibility by creating personal accountability.

First Aid / CPR / AED (US) Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

More First Aid / CPR / AED (US) practice questions

Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.