Initial Assessment

Question 1

What are the three steps in the Check—Call—Care process?

Answer 1

• Check the scene and the person
• Call for emergency help
• Care for the person until help arrives

The Check—Call—Care process is a systematic approach recommended by the Red Cross to ensure quick and effective response in emergencies.

Question 2

True or False:

You should always start CPR before ensuring the scene is safe.

Answer 2

False

Ensuring the scene is safe is crucial to avoid putting yourself or others in danger during a first aid situation.

Question 3

What are the key components to check when assessing scene safety?

Answer 3

• Hazards
• Number of victims
• Bystanders who can help
• The cause of the emergency

Assessing scene safety helps prioritize actions and ensures the safety of the rescuer and the victim.

Question 4

Fill in the blank:

During a primary assessment, check for ______.

Answer 4

responsiveness, normal breathing, and signs of life

A primary assessment focuses on life-threatening conditions and helps determine immediate care needs.

Question 5

What does the ‘S’ in SAMPLE history stand for?

Answer 5

Signs/Symptoms

SAMPLE history is a mnemonic used to gather information from a patient or bystanders about the patient’s condition.

Question 6

List the components of the SAMPLE history.

Answer 6

• Signs/Symptoms
• Allergies
• Medications
• Pertinent medical history
• Last food or drink
• Events leading up to the incident

SAMPLE history aids in understanding the patient’s condition and any underlying issues that may affect treatment.

Question 7

What should you look for during a head-to-toe check on an adult?

Answer 7

• Head and neck injuries
• Breathing difficulties
• Abdominal pain
• Limb injuries

A head-to-toe check is a thorough examination to identify any injuries or medical conditions that require attention.

Question 8

True or False:

A head-to-toe check for children is the same as for adults.

Answer 8

False

Children require a gentler approach, and for infants or very young children, it’s often best to perform the check toe-to-head. This method is less intimidating and allows the child to remain more comfortable and cooperative during the assessment.

Question 9

When is it appropriate to move an injured person?

Answer 9

• When there is immediate danger
• When you need to reach another person with more serious injuries
• When necessary to provide proper care

Moving an injured person can worsen injuries, so it should only be done when absolutely necessary.

Question 10

What is the recommended position to place an unconscious but breathing person?

Answer 10

The recovery position

The recovery position helps maintain an open airway and prevents choking in unconscious individuals who are breathing.

Question 11

Describe the steps to place someone in the recovery position.

Answer 11

• Roll the person onto their side
• Place the top hand under their cheek
• Bend the top leg at the knee

Placing someone in the recovery position helps ensure their airway remains open and reduces the risk of aspiration.

Question 12

True or False:

You should always ask for a patient’s consent before providing first aid.

Answer 12

True

If the person is conscious, obtaining consent is essential to respect their autonomy and legal rights.

Question 13

What should you do if a patient refuses first aid care?

Answer 13

• Respect their decision
• Call emergency services
• Stay with them until help arrives

Even if a patient refuses care, staying with them and calling for professional help is crucial.

Question 14

Fill in the blank:

When checking for breathing, observe for the rise and fall of the _______.

Answer 14

chest

Observing the chest movement is a quick way to assess if a person is breathing effectively.

Question 15

What actions should you take if a person is not breathing?

Answer 15

• Call emergency services
• Begin CPR

Immediate action is crucial in the absence of breathing to increase the chances of survival.

Question 16

What is the first step in a primary assessment?

Answer 16

Check for responsiveness.

Checking for responsiveness helps determine if a person is conscious and able to communicate their needs.

Question 17

Scenario: You find someone unconscious in a park. What is your first action?

Answer 17

Check the scene for safety.

Ensuring scene safety is the first step to prevent potential harm to the rescuer and others.

Question 18

True or False:

If a person is having a seizure, you should try to hold them still.

Answer 18

False

Holding a person during a seizure can cause injury. Instead, clear the area around them and protect their head.

Question 19

What should you do if someone is bleeding severely?

Answer 19

• Apply direct pressure
• Elevate the injured area if possible
• Call emergency services

Controlling severe bleeding quickly is essential to prevent shock and further complications.

Question 20

What is the purpose of the head-to-toe check?

Answer 20

To identify any injuries or medical conditions.

A thorough head-to-toe check ensures that no injuries are overlooked and all necessary care is provided.

Question 21

Fill in the blank:

The primary assessment is focused on identifying life-threatening _______.

Answer 21

conditions

The primary assessment prioritizes immediate threats to life, such as lack of breathing or severe bleeding.

Question 22

Scenario: A child falls and hits their head. What is your first action?

Answer 22

Check for responsiveness and breathing.

Assessing consciousness and breathing helps determine the severity of the situation and necessary actions.

Question 23

What should you do if a person has a suspected spinal injury?

Answer 23

• Keep the person still
• Call emergency services
• Support the head and neck

Minimizing movement is crucial to prevent further injury in cases of suspected spinal damage.

Question 24

Fill in the blank:

During a SAMPLE history, ask about any known _______.

Answer 24

allergies

Knowing allergies is vital to avoid administering substances that could cause a severe allergic reaction.

Question 25

What is the most important reason to call emergency services during an assessment?

Answer 25

Presence of life-threatening conditions. ## Footnote Prompt professional medical intervention is essential for life-threatening situations to increase survival chances.

Question 26

Scenario: You witness a car accident. What is the first step you should take?

Answer 26

Check the scene for safety. ## Footnote Before assisting, ensuring the scene is safe prevents further accidents and injuries.

Question 27

# True or False: If a person is unconscious and breathing, you should start CPR immediately.

Answer 27

False ## Footnote CPR is only necessary if the person is not breathing or not breathing normally.

Question 28

What should you do if someone is **choking**?

Answer 28

* Encourage coughing if possible * Perform abdominal thrusts if needed ## Footnote Abdominal thrusts can be effective in dislodging an object blocking the airway.

Question 29

What is a critical step in managing a patient with a suspected **heart attack**?

Answer 29

* Call emergency services * Keep the person calm and comfortable * Offer aspirin only if the person is not allergic and has no contraindications ## Footnote Administering aspirin can help reduce heart damage, but it should only be offered if the person is conscious, not allergic, and not at risk of complications (such as bleeding disorders or recent surgery). Always prioritize calling 911 first.

Question 30

# Fill in the blank: During a head-to-toe check, inspect for any visible \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 30

injuries ## Footnote Identifying visible injuries helps prioritize care and address immediate needs.

Question 31

# True or False: You should move a person with a broken bone to a more comfortable position.

Answer 31

False ## Footnote Moving a person with a broken bone can cause further injury and should be avoided unless necessary.

Question 32

What is an essential action when treating a **burn**?

Answer 32

* Cool the burn with clean, cool water for at least 10 minutes * Cover with a sterile dressing ## Footnote Cooling the burn for a full 10 minutes helps reduce pain, swelling, and tissue damage. Use clean, cool (not ice-cold) water, and never apply ice directly to the skin.

Question 33

Scenario: A person is found **unconscious** in a swimming pool. What should you do first?

Answer 33

Check for breathing. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR immediately. ## Footnote Lay responders should check for normal breathing but not a pulse, as this can delay lifesaving action. In drowning scenarios, start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, and activate EMS as soon as possible.

Question 34

# True or False: You should remove an impaled object from a wound.

Answer 34

False ## Footnote Removing an impaled object can cause further damage and increase bleeding.

Question 35

# Fill in the blank: During a seizure, clear the area to prevent \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 35

injury ## Footnote Clearing the area reduces the risk of injury from nearby objects during a seizure.

Question 36

What is the first action to take for a **hypothermia** victim?

Answer 36

Move the person to a **warm place**. ## Footnote Rewarming is critical in treating hypothermia to prevent further temperature loss.

Question 37

Scenario: A person collapses and is **not breathing**. What should you do?

Answer 37

Call emergency services and begin CPR immediately. ## Footnote Calling 911 ensures that advanced help is on the way. Begin CPR right after calling, unless you're alone with no phone — in that case, start CPR for children or drowning victims first, then call EMS after about 2 minutes.