Browse all practice questions for the American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguarding Practice Test. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

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  • What action should a lifeguard take when a patron is hyperventilating?
  • Proper position for infant back blows
  • Which description best defines a passive drowning person?
  • When moving a victim with a potential spinal injury from water to a backboard, what must be maintained?
  • Defibrillating early with an AED is a key role of a lifeguard in which part of the Adult Cardiac Chain of Survival?
  • Unresponsive patient vomiting during CPR?
  • Concussion care for a child includes which action?
  • What is the first action when encountering a passive drowning person?
  • Slide-in entry is particularly useful in which situations?
  • During rapid extrication, which orientation should the backboard be in to facilitate removal?
  • Which entry method is used to enter water from the deck or from a height, depending on the depth?
  • AVPU stands for?
  • Which statement best describes the correct ventilation rate for an infant in respiratory arrest?
  • Which entry method is useful in shallow water or crowded pools and when there is concern about injury near the pool edge?
  • What is the 1-rescuer CPR ratio for adults?
  • If a drowning victim is not breathing after being removed from the water, what is the recommended response?
  • What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer CPR on an adult?
  • When using a resuscitation mask on an adult, what is the correct sequence?
  • During a chemical spill near the pool, which precaution is advised for staff?
  • What is the 2-rescuer CPR ratio for adults?
  • What is the purpose of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in a facility?
  • Within the SAMPLE mnemonic, which element concerns allergies?
  • Which of the following is a common drowning indicator in the water?
  • What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
  • Which of the following indicates that a person may be in shock?
  • Run-and-swim entry is used to enter water from what type of slope?
  • In day camp safety, what action is performed by the lifeguard to assess swimming abilities of group members?
  • In bag-valve-mask resuscitation, which statement correctly describes rescuers' roles?
  • Low blood sugar is defined as a condition where blood glucose levels are lower than normal, which does not require insulin.
  • How long should station response time testing be completed?
  • How should you respond to a conscious choking infant?
  • Which of the following signs is NOT typically associated with a head injury?
  • Which rescue technique involves squeezing the rescue tube between the lifeguard's chest and the person's back?
  • Where is the pulse checked in an adult?
  • What is a critical reason for activating the Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?
  • Positioning an infant for back blows
  • When assessing signs of illness or injury during a rapid assessment, which order is used?
  • What best describes respiratory arrest?
  • Whose consent must be obtained for care?
  • During post-rescue care for a drowning victim, what should you do if distress worsens or they stop breathing?
  • Where should AED pads be placed on an adult chest?
  • If an unresponsive patient is vomiting and you cannot place the recovery position, what is the recommended action?
  • Which airway technique is preferred when spinal injury is suspected?
  • What is the recommended chest compression rate during CPR?
  • Head injury response
  • What should you do if a patron collapses in the pool area?
  • Which entry method is used to enter water from a deck or from a height, depending on depth?
  • What is the recommended approach for a suspected spinal injury in water?
  • Rapid extrication technique is used when a head, neck, or spinal injury is suspected but the person does not appear to be breathing.
  • Cardiac arrest is best described as which of the following?
  • How is two-person CPR performed on a child?
  • Two-rescuer CPR cycle before ventilations (adult)
  • How is a rapid assessment best defined?
  • Are competitive swimmers immune from medical emergencies and drowning?
  • Which symptoms may indicate a potential spinal injury?
  • Which professionals provide advanced life support after initial CPR?
  • What is the recommended course of action when sun glare prevents seeing swimmers?
  • In two-rescuer CPR, what is the compressions-to-breaths ratio?
  • Which statement accurately describes the First Steps After Activating EAP?
  • Which symptom is a hallmark of a heart attack lifeguards should recognize?
  • What task is performed during a secondary assessment?
  • What is the purpose of the log-roll technique when dealing with a suspected spinal injury?
  • What is the purpose of a rapid assessment during a medical emergency?
  • How might a passive drowning person appear?
  • What should you do if there is a chemical spill near the pool?
  • Which statement about lifeguard responsibilities after an emergency is true?
  • Which statement best describes an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?
  • Which of the following is a typical sign of a spinal injury?
  • For infant CPR, what distance should the chest be depressed to?
  • What is the maximum allowed interruption time to compressions to maintain high-quality CPR?
  • Which action demonstrates the lifeguard's safety education role?
  • After opening the airway, what should you check for within 10 seconds?
  • What is the recommended use of a lifeguard's whistle?
  • In the reaching assist technique, what action should the rescuer take with the rescue tube?
  • During a front rescue, what is the purpose of using the rescue tube?
  • What is the primary purpose of performing a rapid assessment at the scene?
  • What is the minimum recommended chest compression depth for adult CPR in centimeters?
  • Response to an adult who is responsive and choking
  • What is the first step in controlling life-threatening external bleeding?
  • What describes high-quality CPR?
  • During CPR on an infant, what depth should chest compressions reach?
  • Extrication with spinal motion restriction is used when a head, neck, or spinal injury is suspected and the person is breathing.
  • Effect of using pediatric AED pads on an adult
  • Which option is not listed as a lifeguard's secondary responsibility?
  • In a rapid assessment, should the emphasis be on ensuring scene safety or gathering detailed information?
  • How often should rescuers switch during CPR to maintain quality?
  • Which task should be prioritized to ensure resuscitation equipment is ready for use?
  • When should EMS be called during a drowning incident?
  • Lifeguard actions for suspected spinal injury
  • When a patron asks a question during surveillance, what is an appropriate response?
  • What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer CPR on a child or infant?
  • Which cue indicates a change of rescuers at the start of the CPR cycle?
  • During CPR, when is it appropriate to roll the unresponsive patient to the recovery position?
  • Which information should be documented after an incident including EMS arrival and disposition?
  • What does zone coverage mean in lifeguarding?
  • What signal indicates a role switch at the start of the CPR cycle in two-rescuer CPR?
  • Where should CPR be performed in a submerged two-person rescue?
  • Two-rescuer CPR ratio for child/infant
  • What should be done immediately upon hearing thunder?
  • How can you minimize interruptions when using an AED?
  • Which of the following is an acceptable form of sugar for hypoglycemia?
  • How should rules be enforced by lifeguards?
  • The rapid assessment is performed to identify and immediately address what?
  • Where should the two AED pads be placed on an adult during defibrillation?
  • Who may be responsible for summoning EMS professionals and bringing them to the scene of an emergency?
  • How should you respond to a drowning victim who is conscious and distressed but breathing?
  • If you suspect a spinal injury in water, what should you prioritize during removal?
  • Which describes an active drowning person?
  • What is the first action when you hear thunder?
  • In adult CPR performed by one rescuer, how many compressions are given before delivering the first breaths?
  • What is the first step for a lifeguard in a drowning situation?
  • What should you do to ensure EMS receives useful information during an emergency?
  • After a shock is delivered by an AED, what should you do next?
  • What technique is used to minimize movement of the head and neck during rescue from water with a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury?
  • What is the purpose of lifeguard station response time testing?
  • What best describes preventive lifeguarding?
  • What is the primary purpose of the rescue tube?
  • Which statement best describes the role of a facility safety team member in emergencies?
  • If a heat-related illness victim is conscious, what should you provide?
  • Which behavior demonstrates a lack of professionalism for a lifeguard?
  • Which of the following best describes a primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
  • When water is crowded, which entry should be avoided?
  • How should a lifeguard position their body to maintain visibility?
  • In an active front rescue, what action is described?
  • Which is the recommended approach to control life-threatening external bleeding?
  • What combination of rescuers is required for effective use of a bag-valve-mask resuscitator?
  • Pediatric chain of survival focus
  • Extrication with spinal motion restriction is used when a person has a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury but appears to be breathing.
  • Which of the following is a role a facility safety team member may have during an emergency?
  • Which of the following is part of a lifeguard's secondary responsibilities?
  • Which best describes an active drowning person?
  • If pediatric pads are available, how should they be placed? If only adult pads are available, how should you place them to avoid pad-to-pad contact?
  • Which technique is used for chest compressions during two-rescuer CPR on an infant?
  • Head splint technique involves which sequence?
  • In-line stabilization is a technique used to minimize movement of what during rescue from water?
  • Which item should be placed in a red biohazard bag in medical settings?
  • When is a stride jump recommended?
  • Which statement about the goal of a rapid medical assessment is true?
  • Which of the following describes situations that require slide-in entry?
  • When is a feet-first surface dive used?
  • In an unconscious choking adult, what condition triggers switching to CPR?
  • Which statement best describes a distressed swimmer?
  • Which statement best describes the scope of an Emergency Action Plan?
  • The carotid pulse is located where?
  • Which technique is used for CPR on adults?
  • How can lifeguards help prevent secondary drowning?
  • In the active rear rescue technique, where is the rescue tube placed?
  • What PPE should you use during CPR?
  • When should you immobilize the neck and spine?
  • How should you manage a chest wound with signs of potential pneumothorax?
  • During heat-related illness at a pool, what is the first action to take?
  • During rapid extrication, how should the backboard be positioned as it is removed from the water?
  • Which of the following is NOT an acceptable form of sugar for hypoglycemia?
  • How should you respond to a conscious choking adult?
  • What does the Reaching Assist Technique involve?
  • How long should a lifeguard check for breathing and a pulse in an adult after opening the airway?
  • What is the primary goal of placing an unresponsive patient in the recovery position when possible?
  • What is the role of a lifeguard during AED setup?
  • How many rescuers are typically involved in two-person CPR?
  • Who is primarily responsible for surveillance and scanning during a practice session?
  • What should lifeguards do to model safety?
  • When should you move a patient from water to land for treatment?
  • What is the upper bound of the recommended chest compression depth for adult CPR?
  • Who are EMS?
  • What should you monitor after immobilizing a suspected limb fracture?
  • For ventilations with a child, how should the head be positioned?
  • If a chemical splash to the eye occurs and contact lenses are present, which action should you take?
  • After activating the EAP, which sequence of actions should a lifeguard perform?
  • How should you manage a patient who is vomiting and unresponsive?
  • Which statement best characterizes a distressed swimmer?
  • What action should lifeguards take during suspected spinal injury rescue from water?
  • What is recommended for an adult who is choking and still responsive?
  • Which statement best reflects professional conduct for a lifeguard during duty?
  • Which statement describes preventive lifeguarding?
  • What are the four steps in the ARC Lifeguarding water rescue hierarchy, in the correct order?
  • What is the purpose of immobilizing a patient on a backboard?
  • If life-threatening external bleeding continues after applying direct pressure, which action is appropriate?
  • What is the purpose of prevention duties for lifeguards?
  • Approximately how long can an active drowning person stay at the surface?
  • What does AVPU stand for in patient assessment?
  • What is the correct initial action when you suspect a limb fracture?
  • When is a cervical collar used?
  • Where is the pulse checked in an infant?
  • AED pads placement for adults should be on which areas?
  • What should you do if a chemical splash to the eye occurs?
  • Which statement describes concussion care for a child?
  • What is the recommended rescue approach for a passive drowning person submerged in shallow water?
  • Lifeguard response to drowning behaviors
  • If visibility is not improved by adjusting position for sun glare, what should a lifeguard do?
  • How often should a lifeguard complete a scan of their entire zone?
  • If a lifeguard's view is obstructed, what is the appropriate action?
  • What is the correct disposal method for used gloves?
  • Which technique is used for two-rescuer infant CPR?
  • What is the recommended chest compression depth for an adult during CPR?
  • In an emergency, who should be alerted by the lifeguard or safety staff?
  • Where should the heel of the hand be placed for adult chest compressions?
  • What is the lifeguard's role in safety activities?
  • What is the role of a lifeguard in CPR?
  • An implied consent situation occurs when which scenario happens?
  • Compact jump is used for?
  • What information should you document after an incident?
  • In a two-person submerged victim rescue, how should duties be divided?
  • Who may be responsible for summoning EMS professionals in a facility?
  • Which statement about spinal injury symptoms is correct?
  • What should a lifeguard do if sun glare prevents visibility of patrons?
  • During an emergency, how should communication be conducted?
  • What does SAMPLE stand for in first aid assessment?
  • What is the primary purpose of a primary assessment in lifeguarding?
  • What water depth is required for slide-in entry?
  • Which action constitutes an effective scanning technique?
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