CPR, Choking, Heart Attacks, and Emergency Response: Key First Aid Concepts

What causes a heart attack?

Blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked.

What is the primary purpose of CPR?

To keep oxygenated blood moving to the brain and other vital organs.

Under what conditions should you stop performing CPR?

Signs of life, AED is ready, 2 minutes of CPR performed while alone, another trained person takes over, EMS arrives, you are too tired, or the scene becomes unsafe.

What is the recommended action if you are unable or unwilling to provide rescue breaths during CPR?

Perform compression-only CPR.

How often should two trained responders switch roles during CPR?

Whenever the person giving compressions is tiring or after every five cycles (approximately 2 minutes).

What is the age range for a child in the context of CPR?

1 to 12 years of age.

How is an infant defined in the context of CPR?

Less than 1 year of age.

What is the rule for using pediatric AED pads on children?

Use them for children up to 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds; if unavailable, adult pads are safe to use.

What is the correct AED pad placement for a small child or infant if the pads touch using normal placement?

One pad in the middle of the chest and the other on the back between the shoulder blades.

What are common behaviors that increase the risk of choking?

Talking or laughing while eating, eating too fast, medical conditions affecting swallowing, dental problems, or playing with small toys.

When should you intervene to help a choking person?

Only when they cannot clear the object themselves (i.e., they cannot cough, speak, or breathe).

What modification should be made for a choking person who is pregnant or too large to wrap arms around?

Perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.

What is the procedure if a choking person becomes unresponsive?

Begin CPR, and before rescue breaths, look in the mouth for an object.

When is it appropriate to perform a finger sweep on an unresponsive choking person?

Only if you can see the object in the mouth.

How long must chest pain last to be considered a potential sign of a heart attack?

Longer than 3 to 5 minutes.

Why is it important to help a heart attack victim rest in a comfortable position?

It reduces the heart's need for oxygen.

What is the primary reason for reassuring a heart attack victim?

Anxiety increases a person's discomfort and heart strain.

What medication can be offered to a heart attack victim to prevent blood clotting?

Aspirin.

What criteria must be met before administering aspirin to a heart attack victim?

They must be responsive, able to chew and swallow, and not allergic or advised by a doctor to avoid it.

What is the dosage for aspirin if given to a heart attack victim?

2-4 low-dose (81 mg) tablets or 1 regular-strength (325 mg) tablet.

Why do many people die within 2 hours of the first heart attack symptom?

They wait too long to seek medical care.

What are common reasons people delay seeking help for heart attack symptoms?

Lack of knowledge, denial, fear, hoping it is a minor condition, or concerns about embarrassment.

What should you do if a choking person is still able to cough or speak?

Encourage them to keep coughing.

What is the maximum number of rescue breaths allowed per set during CPR for a choking victim?

Never more than 2 rescue breaths per set.

Why should a person chew aspirin before swallowing during a heart-related emergency?

It speeds up the absorption of the medication into the bloodstream.

What are the three ways to recognize a breathing emergency?

Observing the person's actions, listening to their breathing, and asking how they feel.

Why are children more susceptible to respiratory distress?

Their airways are smaller, narrower, and less rigid.

What is the recommended position for a person having trouble breathing?

Sitting in a comfortable position, usually leaning forward.

What is the primary cause of asthma symptoms?

Inflammation and narrowing of the airways triggered by specific substances or conditions.

What is the difference between quick-relief and long-term control asthma medications?

Quick-relief medications relax airway muscles during an attack; long-term medications reduce inflammation and sensitivity to triggers.

What is the function of Naloxone in an opioid overdose?

It blocks the parts of the body that respond to opioids, stopping the effects of the overdose.

If an opioid overdose victim shows no improvement 2-3 minutes after the first dose of Naloxone, what should you do?

Administer a second dose.

What is the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is excessively low blood glucose; hyperglycemia is excessively high blood glucose.

What is the recommended amount of sugar to give a conscious person in a diabetic emergency?

15 grams for children and 20 grams for adults.

What should you do if a person having a seizure is unresponsive or not fully awake?

Call 9-1-1 and place them in the recovery position.

What is the primary goal when caring for someone having a seizure?

Protect the person from injury by moving objects out of the way; do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth.

What is the definition of shock in a first aid context?

A progressive, life-threatening condition where oxygen-rich blood is not adequately delivered to organs.

What should you do if a person is in shock and thirsty?

Do not give them anything to eat or drink.

What does the acronym FAST stand for in stroke recognition?

Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

Why is it critical to note the time when stroke symptoms began?

Some medical treatments are only effective if administered within a specific time frame.

What is the physiological reason for fainting?

A sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain.

What are Physical Counterpressure Maneuvers (PCMs) used for?

To help prevent fainting by crossing legs or contracting leg muscles.

What is the life-threatening allergic reaction called?

Anaphylaxis.

What is the function of epinephrine in anaphylaxis?

It slows or stops the effects of the allergic reaction.

At what temperature is a fever considered elevated in infants and children?

100.4° F (38° C) or greater.

When should you consult a healthcare provider for a child with vomiting or diarrhea?

If symptoms persist for more than a few days, the child cannot keep fluids down, or shows signs of dehydration like not urinating for 6 hours.

What is a closed wound?

An injury where the skin remains intact but superficial underlying tissues are damaged, often causing internal bleeding.

What are the four main types of open wounds?

Abrasion, laceration, avulsion, and puncture.

How do you determine if bleeding is life-threatening?

By volume (amount of blood) and flow (continuous or spurting blood).

What is the purpose of a hemostatic dressing?

It contains a substance that absorbs blood and promotes clotting to stop bleeding faster.

What should you do if blood soaks through the first bandage on a bleeding wound?

Place another dressing on top and push harder; do not remove the original dressing.

What are the signs of an infected wound?

Increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, red streaks, pus, or fever.

What is the purpose of wound packing?

To control life-threatening bleeding in deep cavities like the scalp, neck, shoulder, groin, or back.

Where should a tourniquet be placed relative to the wound?

2-3 inches above the wound, between the wound and the heart.

Can you loosen or remove a tourniquet once it is applied?

No, never loosen or remove it.

What is the most common cause of internal bleeding?

Blunt trauma.

What is the first step in caring for a burn?

Stop the burning by removing the person from the source or the source from the person.

What should you never use to cool a burn?

Ice, ice water, or freezing compresses.

What is the recommended duration for cooling a burn with running water?

At least 10 minutes, ideally 20 minutes.

When should you assume a person has a head, neck, or spinal injury?

After events like motor vehicle collisions, falls from heights greater than their own, or diving into shallow water.

What is a concussion?

A traumatic brain injury that alters the way the brain functions due to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.

What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?

A strain involves a tendon or muscle; a sprain involves a ligament.

What is a subluxation?

A condition where bones in a joint displace and then return to their normal position.

What are the general principles for splinting an injury?

Splint in the position found, include joints above and below the injury, and pad for comfort.

Should you apply heat to an acute muscle or bone injury?

No, only cold packs should be used for acute injuries.

What are the three types of heat-related illnesses from least to most severe?

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

What is the defining characteristic of heat stroke compared to heat exhaustion?

The body's cooling system is completely overwhelmed and stops working, often resulting in no sweating.

What is the primary care step for heat stroke?

Call 9-1-1 and rapidly cool the person, ideally by immersion in cold water.

What is hypothermia?

A life-threatening condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the temperature to fall below 95°F (35°C).

What is the danger of rapid re-warming in hypothermia patients?

It can result in dangerous heart rhythms.

What should you do if you suspect frostbite?

Handle the area gently, do not rub, and do not attempt to warm if there is a risk of refreezing.

What are the four ways a poison can enter the body?

Ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or injection.

Who should you call for suspected poison exposure?

The national Poison Help Hotline.

What is the 'silent killer' gas that has no smell or color?

Carbon monoxide.

What is the first step in treating alcohol poisoning?

Call 9-1-1 and place the person in the recovery position to keep the airway clear.

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