Alberta First Aid Instructor Certification
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a primary survey in first aid?
A. To provide definitive care
B. To identify life-threatening conditions
C. To diagnose medical conditions
D. To transport the patient to hospital
Answer: B. To identify life-threatening conditions
Rationale: The primary survey (ABCDE: Airway, Breathing, Circulation,
Disability, Exposure) focuses on detecting and treating life-threatening
conditions immediately.
2. In CPR for an adult, what is the recommended compression depth?
A. 2–2.5 cm
B. 3–4 cm
C. 5–6 cm
D. 7–8 cm
Answer: C. 5–6 cm
Rationale: For adults, compressions should be at least 5 cm deep but not
more than 6 cm to effectively circulate blood.
3. During rescue breathing for an adult with a pulse but no breathing, how
often should you give breaths?
A. 1 breath every 2 seconds
B. 1 breath every 5 seconds
,C. 2 breaths every 30 seconds
D. 1 breath every 10 seconds
Answer: B. 1 breath every 5 seconds
Rationale: For adults, 1 breath every 5–6 seconds (12–20 per minute)
maintains oxygenation when the heart is still beating.
4. Which of the following is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in
children?
A. Heart attack
B. Respiratory failure
C. Stroke
D. Allergic reaction
Answer: B. Respiratory failure
Rationale: Children usually suffer cardiac arrest due to respiratory issues
rather than primary cardiac disease.
5. When using an AED, what is the first action after turning it on?
A. Attach pads to chest
B. Clear the patient and analyze rhythm
C. Deliver a shock immediately
D. Start CPR
Answer: A. Attach pads to chest
Rationale: AEDs require proper pad placement before rhythm analysis or
shock delivery.
6. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2-rescuer CPR on an
infant?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 10:1
D. 20:2
, Answer: B. 15:2
Rationale: Two-rescuer infant CPR uses 15 compressions to 2 breaths to
maximize perfusion.
7. Which of the following is NOT a sign of anaphylaxis?
A. Hives
B. Swelling of lips and tongue
C. Wheezing
D. Localized bruise
Answer: D. Localized bruise
Rationale: Anaphylaxis involves systemic allergic reactions, not localized
bruising.
8. How should you treat a conscious adult with suspected hypoglycemia?
A. Give 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
B. Give 1 L of water
C. Administer insulin
D. Place in a Trendelenburg position
Answer: A. Give 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
Rationale: Oral glucose or sugar quickly raises blood glucose in conscious
patients.
9. Which of the following is the first step when controlling severe external
bleeding?
A. Apply a tourniquet immediately
B. Apply direct pressure
C. Elevate the limb only
D. Apply ice
Answer: B. Apply direct pressure
Rationale: Direct pressure is the most effective first measure to control
bleeding.
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a primary survey in first aid?
A. To provide definitive care
B. To identify life-threatening conditions
C. To diagnose medical conditions
D. To transport the patient to hospital
Answer: B. To identify life-threatening conditions
Rationale: The primary survey (ABCDE: Airway, Breathing, Circulation,
Disability, Exposure) focuses on detecting and treating life-threatening
conditions immediately.
2. In CPR for an adult, what is the recommended compression depth?
A. 2–2.5 cm
B. 3–4 cm
C. 5–6 cm
D. 7–8 cm
Answer: C. 5–6 cm
Rationale: For adults, compressions should be at least 5 cm deep but not
more than 6 cm to effectively circulate blood.
3. During rescue breathing for an adult with a pulse but no breathing, how
often should you give breaths?
A. 1 breath every 2 seconds
B. 1 breath every 5 seconds
,C. 2 breaths every 30 seconds
D. 1 breath every 10 seconds
Answer: B. 1 breath every 5 seconds
Rationale: For adults, 1 breath every 5–6 seconds (12–20 per minute)
maintains oxygenation when the heart is still beating.
4. Which of the following is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in
children?
A. Heart attack
B. Respiratory failure
C. Stroke
D. Allergic reaction
Answer: B. Respiratory failure
Rationale: Children usually suffer cardiac arrest due to respiratory issues
rather than primary cardiac disease.
5. When using an AED, what is the first action after turning it on?
A. Attach pads to chest
B. Clear the patient and analyze rhythm
C. Deliver a shock immediately
D. Start CPR
Answer: A. Attach pads to chest
Rationale: AEDs require proper pad placement before rhythm analysis or
shock delivery.
6. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2-rescuer CPR on an
infant?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 10:1
D. 20:2
, Answer: B. 15:2
Rationale: Two-rescuer infant CPR uses 15 compressions to 2 breaths to
maximize perfusion.
7. Which of the following is NOT a sign of anaphylaxis?
A. Hives
B. Swelling of lips and tongue
C. Wheezing
D. Localized bruise
Answer: D. Localized bruise
Rationale: Anaphylaxis involves systemic allergic reactions, not localized
bruising.
8. How should you treat a conscious adult with suspected hypoglycemia?
A. Give 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
B. Give 1 L of water
C. Administer insulin
D. Place in a Trendelenburg position
Answer: A. Give 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
Rationale: Oral glucose or sugar quickly raises blood glucose in conscious
patients.
9. Which of the following is the first step when controlling severe external
bleeding?
A. Apply a tourniquet immediately
B. Apply direct pressure
C. Elevate the limb only
D. Apply ice
Answer: B. Apply direct pressure
Rationale: Direct pressure is the most effective first measure to control
bleeding.
