1. What should you do first when using an AED?
Not quite
Modern AEDs give step-by-step voice prompts, so turning the device on is the first step. The AED then tells you when to place the pads and when to clear the person.
CPR & Cardiac Emergencies Practice Questions
Cardiac emergencies are among the most important topics on the lifeguard exam. This part covers recognizing cardiac arrest, performing high-quality CPR, and using an AED.
Topics include the principles of high-quality CPR, compression-to-ventilation ratios, AED use and safety, and the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest.
Questions last reviewed June 2026 · AHA/ECC guidelinesHow our questions are made
What this part of the exam covers
- Recognizing cardiac arrest (unresponsive and not breathing, or only gasping)
- High-quality CPR: push hard and fast, full recoil, minimize interruptions
- Compression-to-ventilation ratios for adults, children, and infants
- AED concept, prompts, and safety (clear the victim, dry chest, not in water)
- Heart attack vs cardiac arrest
Practice questions
Choose an answer to test yourself — the explanation appears once you answer.
2. A person is lying still and only gasping. What should you do?
Not quite
Gasping is not normal breathing. If a person is unresponsive and only gasping, treat it as cardiac arrest and start CPR right away with an AED.
3. What is the best first action after confirming a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally?
Not quite
Unresponsive and not breathing normally means you should start CPR and use the AED as soon as possible. Waiting or giving food or water would delay critical care.
4. What should you do when you get an AED?
Not quite
Turn on the AED right away and follow its voice or screen prompts. It will tell you when to analyze and whether a shock is advised.
5. What should you do if the person's chest is wet before using an AED?
Not quite
The chest should be dry enough for the pads to stick so the AED can work properly. Dry the chest quickly before placing the pads; do not delay AED use longer than needed.
6. Which sign best suggests cardiac arrest?
Not quite
Cardiac arrest is suspected when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, or is only gasping. Chest pain with an awake, responsive person is more consistent with a heart attack than cardiac arrest.
7. Before the AED analyzes the victim, what should you do?
Not quite
Everyone must stay clear during analysis and shock delivery so no one is injured and the reading is accurate. Touching the person can interfere with the AED process.
8. About how deep should adult chest compressions be?
Not quite
Adult compressions should be about 2 inches deep. Too shallow does not move enough blood, and too deep can cause harm.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-rescuer adult CPR?
- The standard one-rescuer adult ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Child and infant ratios differ for two rescuers. Always verify against current AHA/ECC guidelines and your course.
- What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
- A heart attack is usually a circulation problem where the victim is often responsive with chest pain. Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops effectively pumping and the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- Can you use an AED on a wet victim or in water?
- No. Move the victim out of standing water and dry the chest before applying pads, and make sure everyone is clear of the victim during analysis and shock. Then follow the AED's prompts.
More lifeguard exam topics
- Professional Lifeguard Practice Questions
- Facility Safety Practice Questions
- Surveillance and Victim Recognition Practice Questions
- Injury Prevention Practice Questions
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Practice Questions
- Water Rescue Skills Practice Questions
- Before Providing Care & Victim Assessment Practice Questions
- Breathing Emergencies Practice Questions
- First Aid Practice Questions
- Head, Neck & Spinal Injury Practice Questions