Basic Life Support - True or False

True or False? 'CPR' stands for 'Computer Predicted Resuscitation'.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False - 'CPR' stands for 'Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation'.

True or False? The most common cause of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True - Ventricular Fibrillation is an extremely dangerous cardiac rhythm which significantly compromises cardiac output; ultimately leading to cardiac arrest.

True or False? The first step in the 'chain of survival' is to start CPR.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False - The first step in the 'chain of survival is to recognise the emergency and call for help.

True or False? 'AED' stands for 'Automated External Defibrillator'.

• True
• False

Answer explanation

True - An AED is a compact, portable, easy to use medical device which delivers a high energy electric shock to an individual in cardiac arrest to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

True or False? CPR should be performed to the beat of 'Stayin Alive' by the Bee Gees.

• True
• False

Answer explanation

True - Chest compressions during CPR should be performed at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (roughly to the best of 'Stayin' Alive').

True or False? During CPR you must check the patient is breathing for 1 minute before starting chest compressions.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False - You must look, listen and feel for signs of breathing for up to 10 seconds.

True or False? You should always perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation during CPR.

• True
• False

Answer explanation

False - If you suspect the patient has an infection or there is blood, vomit, excessive secretions around the mouth: You do not need to complete rescue breaths. Instead continue with chest compressions.

True or False? The correct ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths during CPR is 30:2.

• True
• False

Answer explanation

True - When carrying out CPR you must do 30 chest compression followed by 2 rescue breaths (if safe to do so).

True or False? You should check for responsiveness before starting CPR.

• True
• False

Answer explanation

True - To check for a response gently shake the persons shoulders and ask them questions like "Can you hear me?" or "What has happened?".

True or False? If a person is choking, you should start CPR immediately.

• True
• False

Answer explanation

False - If you suspect a person is choking, you must assess the severity of airway obstruction.

Depending on severity, you should encourage the person to cough or complete back blows and abdominal thrusts. If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR.