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EFA exit exam questions and answers — Set 22 — Elementary First Aid

Set 22 of the Elementary First Aid (EFA) exit exam bank — 30 of 1185 questions, with the correct option marked and a one-line explanation for every one. Read it end to end, jump to a single set, or search it — then sit the same bank as a timed paper. The real DG Shipping exit exam is 30 marks with 15 to pass.

These are the bank's original groupings. Practising deals the whole bank out again every time you reshuffle, so a practice “Set 3” is a different 30 questions each time — the set numbers below are the source file's, and are only used here so the key stays navigable. Options are listed in their original order with fixed letters; when you practise, those move too.

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Set 22 — 30 EFA exit exam questions with answers

1. The preferred method of controlling external bleeding is by ____.

  • A. Direct pressure on the wound
  • B. Elevating the wounded area
  • C. Pressure on a pressure point
  • D. A tourniquet above the wound
Answer: A — Direct pressure on the wound
Firm direct pressure on the wound with a pad or dressing is the quickest and most effective way to control external bleeding. Elevation may assist, while a tourniquet is reserved for life-threatening limb bleeding that direct pressure cannot control.

2. Airway obstruction caused by a foreign body is commonly known as ____.

  • A. Poking
  • B. Hacking
  • C. Choking
  • D. Picking
Answer: C — Choking
Choking is the common term for obstruction of the airway, usually by food or a foreign object. It is treated with back blows and abdominal thrusts in a conscious adult, and CPR if the casualty becomes unconscious.

3. What danger to personnel exists when a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is discharged in a small enclosed space?

  • A. Second degree burns
  • B. Electric shock
  • C. Suffocation
  • D. Burst eardrums
Answer: C — Suffocation
CO2 extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen. In a small enclosed space it can reduce oxygen to a level that causes suffocation of personnel, so the space must be ventilated before entry without breathing apparatus.

4. Which of the following conditions is NOT a symptom of traumatic shock?

  • A. Slow deep breathing
  • B. Pale and cold skin
  • C. Weak and rapid pulse
  • D. Restlessness and anxiety
Answer: A — Slow deep breathing
In shock the body tries to compensate for poor circulation, giving a rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, pale cold clammy skin and anxiety. Slow deep breathing is not a sign of shock.

5. Persons who have swallowed a non-petroleum-based poison are given large quantities of warm soapy water or warm salt water to ____.

  • A. Induce vomiting
  • B. Absorb the poison from the blood
  • C. Neutralize the poison in the blood
  • D. Increase the digestive process and eliminate the poison
Answer: A — Induce vomiting
Warm salt or soapy water irritates the stomach and causes vomiting, emptying the poison before it is absorbed. This is never done for petroleum products or corrosives, and current practice is to seek radio medical advice first.

6. How will you open the casualty's airway?

  • A. Head lift / chin tilt
  • B. Head tilt / chin lift
  • C. Head tilt / open the mouth
  • D. Chin lift / open the mouth
Answer: B — Head tilt / chin lift
The head tilt and chin lift manoeuvre lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat, opening the airway of an unconscious casualty. A jaw thrust is used instead where spinal injury is suspected.

7. To treat a person suffering from heat exhaustion, you should ____.

  • A. Administer artificial respiration
  • B. Put him in a tub of ice water
  • C. Give him sips of cool water
  • D. Cover him with a light cloth
Answer: C — Give him sips of cool water
Heat exhaustion is due to loss of water and salt, so the casualty is moved to a cool place, laid down and given sips of cool water, or a weak salt solution, if conscious. Ice baths are not used for heat exhaustion.

8. In an unconscious person, the most common cause of airway obstruction is the ____.

  • A. Saliva
  • B. Tongue
  • C. Dentures
  • D. Loose teeth
Answer: B — Tongue
When a person is unconscious the muscles relax and the tongue falls back against the back of the throat, blocking the airway. Head tilt and chin lift or the recovery position prevents this.

9. Which of the following precautions should be taken when treating burns caused by contact with dry lime?

  • A. Water should be applied in a fine spray
  • B. The burned area should be immersed in water
  • C. The entire burn area should be covered with ointment
  • D. Before washing with water, the lime should be brushed away gently and removed from skin contact
Answer: D — Before washing with water, the lime should be brushed away gently and removed from skin contact
Dry lime reacts with water and generates heat and a corrosive solution. The dry powder must first be brushed off the skin, after which the area is flushed with large amounts of water.

10. After an accident the victim may go into shock and die. What should be done to help prevent shock?

  • A. Slightly elevate the head and feet
  • B. Keep the person awake
  • C. Keep the person lying down and at a comfortable temperature
  • D. Give the person a stimulant to increase blood flow
Answer: C — Keep the person lying down and at a comfortable temperature
Shock is prevented by laying the casualty down, keeping them at a comfortable temperature, reassuring them and avoiding unnecessary movement. Stimulants are not given, as they can worsen the condition.

11. In reviving a person who has been overcome by gas fumes, which of the following treatments would you AVOID using?

  • A. Giving stimulants
  • B. Prompt removal of the patient from the suffocating atmosphere
  • C. Determining the need for, and administering, CPR if appropriate
  • D. Keeping him warm and comfortable
Answer: A — Giving stimulants
A gassed casualty needs fresh air, airway and breathing support and rest. Stimulants should be avoided since they increase oxygen demand and the casualty may be unable to swallow safely.

12. Which of the following steps should normally be taken first by those who have boarded a lifeboat in an emergency situation?

  • A. Ration food and water supplies
  • B. Search for survivors
  • C. Determine position and closest point of land
  • D. Check pyrotechnic supplies
Answer: B — Search for survivors
Immediately after abandoning ship, survivors in the water have the greatest need, so the first action is to search for and recover other survivors. Rationing, position-finding and checking equipment follow once people are on board.

13. The finger sweep for choking is ____.

  • A. Sweeping with the finger
  • B. Slipping the finger into the mouth
  • C. A hooking motion to dislodge the object
  • D. Pushing the object deeper
Answer: C — A hooking motion to dislodge the object
A finger sweep uses a hooking movement of the finger to remove a visible object from the mouth. It is done only when the object can be seen, because a blind sweep may push the object deeper into the airway.

14. Choking is commonly caused by all of the following EXCEPT ____.

  • A. Swallowing large pieces of improperly chewed food
  • B. Drinking alcohol before or during meals
  • C. Laughing while eating
  • D. Bending during meals
Answer: D — Bending during meals
Choking typically results from swallowing poorly chewed food, talking or laughing while eating, and alcohol, which dulls the swallowing reflex. Bending during meals is not a recognised cause.

15. Which should NOT be a treatment for a person who has received a head injury and is groggy or unconscious?

  • A. Give a stimulant
  • B. Elevate his head
  • C. Stop severe bleeding
  • D. Treat for shock
Answer: A — Give a stimulant
Stimulants raise blood pressure and may increase bleeding inside the skull, and nothing should be given by mouth to a drowsy or unconscious casualty. Controlling bleeding and keeping the head slightly raised are appropriate.

16. The aim of first aid does NOT include ____.

  • A. Preserving life
  • B. Preventing further harm
  • C. Involving relatives
  • D. Promoting recovery
Answer: C — Involving relatives
The three aims of first aid are to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening and promote recovery. Involving relatives is not an aim of first aid.

17. Anaphylaxis is treated with ____.

  • A. An analgesic tablet
  • B. A tablet under the tongue
  • C. An EpiPen injection of adrenaline
  • D. An injection of insulin
Answer: C — An EpiPen injection of adrenaline
Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening allergic reaction causing airway swelling and collapse. Adrenaline injected into the thigh muscle with an auto-injector such as an EpiPen rapidly reverses the reaction.

18. If a known epileptic is experiencing a seizure, you should ____.

  • A. Restrain them by holding their shoulders
  • B. Call an ambulance
  • C. Place a pillow or towel under their head and feet
  • D. Remove furniture or other close objects
Answer: D — Remove furniture or other close objects
During a seizure the first aider protects the casualty by moving nearby objects out of the way and not restraining them. A known epileptic usually recovers without needing emergency services unless the fit is prolonged or repeated.

19. Poisoning can occur by all of the following EXCEPT ____.

  • A. Injection
  • B. Inhalation
  • C. Infection
  • D. Ingestion
Answer: C — Infection
Poisons enter the body by ingestion, inhalation, injection or absorption through the skin. Infection is caused by micro-organisms and is not a route of poisoning.

20. The objective of first aid is ____.

  • A. To diagnose injuries and conditions
  • B. To determine priorities
  • C. To give immediate treatment
  • D. To shift the patient to hospital
Answer: C — To give immediate treatment
First aid is the immediate care given to an injured or ill person until professional medical help is available. Diagnosis and definitive treatment are the job of doctors, not the first aider.

21. If a person is experiencing heavy bleeding, you should ____.

  • A. Apply pressure and elevate the wound to slow blood flow
  • B. Attempt to burn the wound to stop bleeding
  • C. Clean and rinse the wound
  • D. Remove bandages and wraps
Answer: A — Apply pressure and elevate the wound to slow blood flow
Heavy bleeding is controlled by firm direct pressure on the wound, with elevation of an injured limb where possible. Existing dressings are not removed; further pads are added on top if blood soaks through.

22. If a person suffering from possible broken bones and internal injuries is correctly being given first aid, which statement is true?

  • A. The person should be examined on the scene and then walked to a bunk to await medical assistance
  • B. The person should be moved from the scene but not allowed to walk without assistance
  • C. The person should not be allowed to lie down where injured but should be moved to a chair or bunk
  • D. The person should not be moved (unless remaining on the scene is unsafe), but made comfortable until medical assistance arrives
Answer: D — The person should not be moved (unless remaining on the scene is unsafe), but made comfortable until medical assistance arrives
Moving a casualty with fractures or internal injuries can worsen bleeding and damage. Unless the location is dangerous, the casualty is kept still, supported and made comfortable where found until help arrives.

23. First aid follows DRABCD: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Compression/Circulation and ____.

  • A. Diet
  • B. Defibrillation
  • C. Dos and don'ts
  • D. Damage
Answer: B — Defibrillation
DRABCD is the basic life support sequence. The final D is defibrillation, using an AED as soon as one is available, because early defibrillation greatly improves survival from cardiac arrest.

24. What is the primary purpose of a splint applied in first aid?

  • A. Control bleeding
  • B. Reduce pain
  • C. Immobilize a fracture
  • D. Reset the bone
Answer: C — Immobilize a fracture
A splint holds a fractured limb still, preventing the broken bone ends from moving and causing further damage. Reduced pain follows from immobilisation, but resetting the bone is a medical procedure.

25. When it is necessary to remove a victim from a life-threatening situation, the person giving first aid must ____.

  • A. Pull the victim by the feet
  • B. Avoid subjecting the victim to any unnecessary disturbance
  • C. Carry the victim to a location where injuries can be assessed
  • D. Place the victim on a stretcher before attempting removal
Answer: B — Avoid subjecting the victim to any unnecessary disturbance
In an emergency move the casualty must be removed quickly from danger while being disturbed as little as possible, keeping the body in line to avoid aggravating unseen injuries, especially to the spine.

26. Doctors recommend the RICE method for treating sprains: Rest, Ice, ____ and Elevation.

  • A. Cover
  • B. Clean
  • C. Compression
  • D. Comfort
Answer: C — Compression
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Compression with a firm bandage limits swelling of the sprained joint, while ice and elevation reduce swelling and pain.

27. A victim who has come in contact with poison ivy should ____.

  • A. Wait at least 20 minutes before washing the affected area with hot water and soap
  • B. Rinse the affected area immediately with soap and water
  • C. Continue to wear clothes that have come in contact with the plant
  • D. Immediately scratch and rub the affected area to relieve the itching
Answer: B — Rinse the affected area immediately with soap and water
The plant oil that causes the rash binds to skin within minutes, so the area should be washed immediately with soap and cool water. Contaminated clothing is removed and scratching avoided to prevent spreading and infection.

28. First aid means ____.

  • A. Providing CPR to a person in distress
  • B. The treatment of broken bones
  • C. Immediate and temporary basic medical care given to an ill or injured person
  • D. Providing the proper dosage of medications
Answer: C — Immediate and temporary basic medical care given to an ill or injured person
First aid is the immediate, temporary care given to an injured or suddenly ill person until qualified medical help is available. CPR and fracture care are only parts of first aid.

29. Hyperglycaemia is ____.

  • A. Increased glycine
  • B. Increased blood sugar
  • C. Decreased glycine
  • D. Decreased blood sugar
Answer: B — Increased blood sugar
Hyperglycaemia means an abnormally high level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, typically in uncontrolled diabetes. Hypoglycaemia is the opposite, a low blood sugar level.

30. Which of these is NOT found in a first aid kit?

  • A. Bandages
  • B. Iodine prep pads
  • C. Narcotics
  • D. Burn creams
Answer: C — Narcotics
A first aid kit holds dressings, bandages, antiseptics and burn treatments. Narcotics are controlled drugs kept under the Master's custody in the ship's medicine chest, not in general first aid kits.

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