Red Cross Lifeguarding Test Latest Update 2026 |
Exam Prep
1. In a scenario where an AED indicates 'No Shock Advised' and the victim
remains unresponsive, what actions should you prioritize next?
Continue high-quality CPR and reassess the victim regularly.
Attempt to wake the victim by shaking them.
Administer oxygen until the victim responds.
Stop CPR and wait for emergency services.
2. If a patron has a suspected fracture in their arm, what is the best course of
action for immobilization?
Use a splint to secure the arm in place.
Leave the arm unsupported until help arrives.
Encourage the patron to move the arm gently.
Apply heat to the area to relieve pain.
3. Describe the significance of assessing the LOC during a secondary
assessment for a lifeguard.
LOC is only assessed if the victim is unconscious.
Assessing the LOC helps determine the victim's awareness and
responsiveness, which is crucial for deciding the appropriate
emergency response.
LOC assessment is used to evaluate the victim's physical injuries only.
LOC is irrelevant in emergency situations and does not affect
treatment decisions.
,4. If you are performing CPR on an adult and notice that the chest is not rising
during ventilation, what steps should you take to troubleshoot the situation?
Reposition the airway and ensure a proper seal before attempting
ventilation again.
Switch to using an AED immediately.
Increase the force of the breaths to make the chest rise.
Continue with chest compressions without checking the airway.
5. You observe an unresponsive drowning person who is submerged in deep
water, and there isn't a responder trained in water rescue nearby. Which of
the following would you do first?
Attempt a reaching assist to get the person out of the water.
Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.
Enter the water and attempt to rescue the person.
Call out loudly for help.
6. If a lifeguard encounters a submerged victim who is unresponsive and not
breathing, what should be the next step after retrieving the victim to the
surface?
Begin CPR immediately.
Administer rescue breaths only.
Check for a pulse before starting CPR.
Wait for emergency services to arrive.
,7. In a scenario where a lifeguard finds an unconscious victim in the water, how
should they apply head and chin support to ensure the victim's airway is
clear?
By lifting the victim's head out of the water without support.
By pressing down on the victim's chest to force air out.
By turning the victim onto their side to clear the airway.
By placing one hand on the forehead and the other under the chin
to tilt the head back.
8. Describe the significance of chest compression depth in CPR and its impact
on victim survival.
Chest compression depth is less important than the rate of
compressions.
Compression depth does not affect the outcome of CPR.
Shallow compressions are preferred to avoid injury.
Adequate chest compression depth ensures sufficient blood flow to
vital organs, increasing the chances of survival.
9. Describe the steps involved in performing in-line stabilization on a victim.
In-line stabilization is used to check for responsiveness in the victim.
In-line stabilization involves holding the victim's head and neck in a
neutral position to prevent spinal movement.
In-line stabilization requires the lifeguard to perform chest
compressions immediately.
In-line stabilization involves moving the victim to a more comfortable
position.
, 10. A patient has sustained a suspected spinal injury. when backboarding this
patient, which is the correct order for performing each task after manual
stabilization of the head and neck?
apply collar, place on board, secure torso than head
place on board, secure torso, apply collar, secure head
place on board, apply collar secure head then torso
apply collar, palce on board, secure head then torso
11. In a scenario where you are performing CPR and notice the chest rising and
falling, what should you do next if the victim suddenly becomes
unresponsive again?
Check for a pulse.
Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
Resume CPR immediately.
Administer rescue breaths only.
12. What is the first step to take when immobilizing an injured arm?
Stabilize the arm in a comfortable position.
Remove any clothing covering the injury.
Lift the arm above the head.
Apply ice to the injury.
13. In a scenario where a lifeguard has stabilized a victim on a backboard after a
suspected spinal injury, what should the lifeguard do next to ensure the
victim's safety during transport?
Secure the victim to the backboard and monitor vital signs.
Exam Prep
1. In a scenario where an AED indicates 'No Shock Advised' and the victim
remains unresponsive, what actions should you prioritize next?
Continue high-quality CPR and reassess the victim regularly.
Attempt to wake the victim by shaking them.
Administer oxygen until the victim responds.
Stop CPR and wait for emergency services.
2. If a patron has a suspected fracture in their arm, what is the best course of
action for immobilization?
Use a splint to secure the arm in place.
Leave the arm unsupported until help arrives.
Encourage the patron to move the arm gently.
Apply heat to the area to relieve pain.
3. Describe the significance of assessing the LOC during a secondary
assessment for a lifeguard.
LOC is only assessed if the victim is unconscious.
Assessing the LOC helps determine the victim's awareness and
responsiveness, which is crucial for deciding the appropriate
emergency response.
LOC assessment is used to evaluate the victim's physical injuries only.
LOC is irrelevant in emergency situations and does not affect
treatment decisions.
,4. If you are performing CPR on an adult and notice that the chest is not rising
during ventilation, what steps should you take to troubleshoot the situation?
Reposition the airway and ensure a proper seal before attempting
ventilation again.
Switch to using an AED immediately.
Increase the force of the breaths to make the chest rise.
Continue with chest compressions without checking the airway.
5. You observe an unresponsive drowning person who is submerged in deep
water, and there isn't a responder trained in water rescue nearby. Which of
the following would you do first?
Attempt a reaching assist to get the person out of the water.
Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.
Enter the water and attempt to rescue the person.
Call out loudly for help.
6. If a lifeguard encounters a submerged victim who is unresponsive and not
breathing, what should be the next step after retrieving the victim to the
surface?
Begin CPR immediately.
Administer rescue breaths only.
Check for a pulse before starting CPR.
Wait for emergency services to arrive.
,7. In a scenario where a lifeguard finds an unconscious victim in the water, how
should they apply head and chin support to ensure the victim's airway is
clear?
By lifting the victim's head out of the water without support.
By pressing down on the victim's chest to force air out.
By turning the victim onto their side to clear the airway.
By placing one hand on the forehead and the other under the chin
to tilt the head back.
8. Describe the significance of chest compression depth in CPR and its impact
on victim survival.
Chest compression depth is less important than the rate of
compressions.
Compression depth does not affect the outcome of CPR.
Shallow compressions are preferred to avoid injury.
Adequate chest compression depth ensures sufficient blood flow to
vital organs, increasing the chances of survival.
9. Describe the steps involved in performing in-line stabilization on a victim.
In-line stabilization is used to check for responsiveness in the victim.
In-line stabilization involves holding the victim's head and neck in a
neutral position to prevent spinal movement.
In-line stabilization requires the lifeguard to perform chest
compressions immediately.
In-line stabilization involves moving the victim to a more comfortable
position.
, 10. A patient has sustained a suspected spinal injury. when backboarding this
patient, which is the correct order for performing each task after manual
stabilization of the head and neck?
apply collar, place on board, secure torso than head
place on board, secure torso, apply collar, secure head
place on board, apply collar secure head then torso
apply collar, palce on board, secure head then torso
11. In a scenario where you are performing CPR and notice the chest rising and
falling, what should you do next if the victim suddenly becomes
unresponsive again?
Check for a pulse.
Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
Resume CPR immediately.
Administer rescue breaths only.
12. What is the first step to take when immobilizing an injured arm?
Stabilize the arm in a comfortable position.
Remove any clothing covering the injury.
Lift the arm above the head.
Apply ice to the injury.
13. In a scenario where a lifeguard has stabilized a victim on a backboard after a
suspected spinal injury, what should the lifeguard do next to ensure the
victim's safety during transport?
Secure the victim to the backboard and monitor vital signs.
