Before taking your First Aid Certification Exam, review these essential points from each chapter. This guide highlights the most critical takeaways so you feel confident and preparedâboth for the test and real-life emergencies.
1. Course Introduction
First Aid is immediate care given before professional help arrives. It can save lives and prevent conditions from worsening.
Scene safety always comes firstâcheck for hazards before helping.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) like gloves, masks, and goggles protect both rescuer and victim from infection.
Know whatâs in a First Aid kit: gloves, gauze, adhesive bandages, antiseptics, CPR mask, tweezers, and more.
2. Life-Threatening Emergencies
Breathing Emergencies: Keep the person calm, help with medication (e.g., inhaler or EpiPen), and call 911 if needed.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Move victim to fresh air, never re-enter the area. Symptoms include headache, confusion, and nausea.
Choking: For adults/children, use abdominal thrusts (Heimlich). For infants, use 5 back blows + 5 chest thrusts. Start CPR if unconscious.
Drowning: Remove from water, check for breathing, give rescue breaths and start CPR if needed.
Chest Pain/Heart Attack: Call 911, help the person rest, and offer aspirin if not allergic.
Seizures: Do not restrain. Protect the head, clear surroundings. Call 911 if seizure lasts >5 minutes or repeats.
Shock: Lay the person flat, elevate legs, keep warm, and call 911. Watch for pale skin, fast pulse, and confusion.
Stroke: Use the FAST method (Face, Arms, Speech, Time). Call 911 immediately.
3. Injuries & Trauma Care
Cuts & Open Wounds: Apply direct pressure. Do not remove embedded objects. Use a tourniquet only for life-threatening bleeding.
Burns: Cool minor burns with water. For severe burns, cover with a clean, dry cloth and call 911. Donât use ointments on major burns.
Dental Emergencies: For broken or knocked-out teeth, rinse the mouth and store the tooth in milk or saline.
Eye Injuries: Flush chemicals for 15+ minutes. Donât rub or try to remove objects. Apply cold packs for blunt trauma.
Fractures: Immobilize the area, donât try to straighten limbs, and seek medical care.
Head Injuries: Watch for signs of concussion. Keep person awake and seek help if symptoms worsen.
Spinal Injuries: Do not move the person unless in danger. Stabilize the head/neck and monitor breathing.
4. Environmental & Exposure Emergencies
Electrical Injuries: Turn off the power source before helping. Look for burns and irregular breathing. Start CPR if needed.
Hypothermia: Move to warmth, remove wet clothing, and warm gradually with blankets. No direct heat.
Frostbite: Warm the area slowly with lukewarm water. Do not rub the skin or use direct heat.
Heat Stroke: Move to shade, cool with wet cloths or immersion, and call 911. Watch for confusion and red, dry skin.
Poisoning:
Inhaled: Move to fresh air.
Swallowed: Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222), donât induce vomiting unless told to.
Skin: Rinse with water for 15+ minutes.
5. Medical Emergencies
Allergic Reactions: Mild symptoms = antihistamines. Severe = EpiPen + 911. Monitor closely even if symptoms improve.
Animal & Human Bites: Wash thoroughly, apply ointment, and monitor for infection. Seek immediate care if bitten by a wild or unvaccinated animal.
Asthma Attack: Help use inhaler, keep calm, and call 911 if breathing doesnât improve or symptoms worsen.
Fainting: Help the person lie flat and raise legs. If unconscious for >1 minute or if not breathing, call 911 and be ready to give CPR.
Nosebleeds: Sit upright, lean forward, and pinch nostrils for 5â10 minutes. Donât tilt the head back. Seek help if bleeding lasts >15 minutes.
Final Exam Tips
Stay calm and focusedâthe test is designed to reinforce what youâve learned.
Use real-world logic: think about how you'd react in each situation.
Read questions carefullyâsome options may be close, but one is best.