First Aid Practice Questions

Lifeguards handle everyday first aid as well as water emergencies. This part of the exam covers care for common sudden illnesses, wounds, burns, and environmental emergencies.

Topics include controlling bleeding, burn care, sudden illness, stroke recognition with FAST, allergic reactions, and heat- and cold-related emergencies.

Questions last reviewed June 2026 · AHA/ECC guidelinesHow our questions are made

What this part of the exam covers

  • Controlling external bleeding with direct pressure
  • Burn care: cool a thermal burn with cool running water (no ice)
  • Sudden illness: fainting, diabetic emergencies, seizures
  • Stroke recognition using FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time)
  • Allergic reactions, heat-related illness, and cold-related emergencies

Practice questions

Choose an answer to test yourself — the explanation appears once you answer.

US · AHA/ECC guidelines

1. When may an epinephrine auto-injector be used during a severe allergic reaction?

US · AHA/ECC guidelines

2. What is the best action if you suspect poisoning and the person is awake?

US · AHA/ECC guidelines

3. What is an epinephrine auto-injector used for?

US · AHA/ECC guidelines

4. How should you care for a minor thermal burn right away?

US · AHA/ECC guidelines

5. Which sign can show a severe allergic reaction?

US · AHA/ECC guidelines

6. What is the first step for most external bleeding from a wound on the arm or leg?

US · AHA/ECC guidelines

7. What should you do first if you think someone has been poisoned?

US · AHA/ECC guidelines

8. What should you do during a seizure?

Practice all 11 topics free

Create a free account for the full question bank, daily practice sessions, progress tracking, and full mock exams.

Frequently asked questions

What does FAST stand for in stroke recognition?
FAST stands for Face (drooping), Arm (weakness), Speech (difficulty), and Time (call EMS immediately). It is a quick way to recognize the signs of a stroke.
How should you care for a thermal burn?
Cool the burn with cool running water and cover it loosely with a clean, dry dressing. Do not apply ice, butter, or ointments, and seek medical care for serious burns.
What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion involves heavy sweating, weakness, and cool, pale skin; heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency with very high body temperature and altered mental status. Heat stroke requires rapid cooling and EMS.

More lifeguard exam topics