Surf Life Saving NSW

Active First Aid Workbook

6th Edition V.1

Surf Life Saving NSW Active First Aid Workbook – 6th Edition Page 1 of 18
Instructions for Use
This workbook is designed to be used in conjunction with the ‘Active First Aid’ manual. Questions for
the written assessment of this course are drawn from subject matter provided in the text of this
workbook.

After reading the relevant sections of the text, candidates are required to answer each question
corresponding to the section of this workbook.

o Write clearly and legibly

o Tick the appropriate ‘TRUE’ or ‘FALSE’ answer
o Tick the appropriate ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ answer
o If required to explain an answer, use your own words
o If an error is made, cross it out and write the correct answer above the error

This activity is to be completed prior to your attendance at the practical course component. All
questions must be attempted. If you have any problems please bring these to the attention of the
instructor during the practical component so that a full explanation can be given.

This workbook is a mandatory requirement of this first aid course. Only applicants who successfully
complete the self-assessments in this workbook will be able to attend the face-to-face session. Please
check with your course trainer for any other specific requirements.

‘Record of Assessment’ - Please complete your personal details. The course assessor will complete the
rest of the form which will then be retained by Surf Life Saving NSW as a record of your assessment.

Surf Life Saving NSW Active First Aid Workbook – 6th Edition Page 2 of 18

Record of Assessment - (To be retained by the assessor)
This page is kept as a record that participants have completed the required theoretical
component of the First Aid course. Please remove and retain this page for 7 years.

Personal Details

Candidate name: ___________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

Suburb / City: ___________________________________________________

Contact number: ___________________________________________________

Contact email: ___________________________________________________

To be completed by the assessor

Practical Course date: ___/ ___/ ____

Satisfactorily Completed: Y N (90% min)

Assessors name: ___________________________________________________

Assessors signature: ______________________________________________

Notes:
________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

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 All ‘Active First Aid’ material © Parasol EMT P/L

Introduction to First Aid Questions

1. State when ‘first aid’ should be provided to a casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________

2. Is it possible for a first aid provider to cause further injury to a casualty? Explain your answer.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

3. To render effective first aid, a rescuer should try to ____________________ and think
_____________________________________________________________________________

4. In Australia, dialling ‘000’ obtains emergency assistance, however digital mobile phones (GSM)
work with which other emergency number? _____________

5. A casualty has a bracelet on their wrist which has the words ‘Medic-alert’ on one side. State
what information you would expect to find on the reverse side of the bracelet?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

6. In your own words define ‘First Aid’.

_____________________________________________________________________________

7. List the four main legal considerations relating to first aid.

1.__________________ 2. _________________ 3._______________ 4. __________________

8. You should make notes or fill out a casualty report on any event attended, no matter how minor
True False

9. When preparing a report you should always use a black or blue ink pen, not a pencil.
True False

10. The heart, blood and blood vessels are known as the ___________________________ system.
This system involves blood which is pumped around the body by the heart through large
vessels called _______________________________ and _______________________________

11. The respiratory system is composed of the _________________ and the __________________

12. The _______________ and the ________________ are the two main parts of the Central
Nervous System. The peripheral system is comprised of the ________________________ and
the ______________________________

13. Most muscles need bones to contract against causing movement, however some muscles such
as the _____________________________ which helps drive the lungs, is not connected to
bones.

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14. The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic fluid which ‘strains’ toxins through ______________
located in the armpits, groin and neck.

15. List one example for each of the following infections:

Bacterial: _____________ Viral: _______________ Parasitic: ___________________________

16. State what infection control precautions you would take prior to treating a casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

17. List three precautions against body fluids you would take during treatment of a casualty.
1. ______________________ 2. _____________________ 3. ___________________________

18. What is the recommended method for disposal of blood-soaked bandages?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

19. You have just completed treating a casualty. You wore the correct gloves during the procedure.
Is it now necessary to wash your hands?
o Yes
o No

20. State the main aim of the Chain of Survival.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

21. In the case of cardiac arrest, CPR:

a) Can ‘buy time’ b) Will always restart the Heart c) Is ineffective

Essential First Aid Questions

1. When assessing safety at the scene of this road accident, list four potential
hazards you would look for:
1. ________________ 2. ___________________ 3. _______________ 4. ________________

2. When checking for RESPONSE, list three types of response you may get:
1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. ________________________

3. If required to check a pulse of a casualty, state two elements you would assess:
1. __________________________________ 2. _______________________________________

4. List the three actions you would use to check if an unconscious casualty is breathing.
1. __________________________ 2. _____________________ 3. _______________________

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5. List the actions you would take if you found that a casualty was unconscious and not breathing:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

6. To obtain a response from an unconscious casualty, you use the ‘talk and touch’ method?
o True
o False

7. You find an unconscious casualty who is breathing. Describe the procedure for placing the
casualty in the recovery position.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

8. List two alternative names for the recovery position.

1. ______________________________ 2. ___________________________________________

9. State the purpose of placing someone in the recovery position:

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

10. A woman has fallen about two metres from a ladder onto the ground. She is unconscious and
appears to have no injuries. After your initial assessment, she awakens and wants to go home.
State your advice to the casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

11. What are the four vital observations that should be written down against the time and name of
the casualty?
1. ________________2. ___________________ 3. _________________ 4. ________________

12. A casualty complains of a headache. Is this a sign or a symptom?

o Sign
o Symptom

13. State the purpose of a primary examination:

_____________________________________________________________________________

14. State the purpose of a secondary examination:

_____________________________________________________________________________

15. List the steps in performing a secondary examination.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

16. What does the acronym CPR stand for? ___________________________________________

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17. The correct method for opening an airway is to use _____________ tilt and jaw ____________

18. Should you always remove dentures before performing rescue breaths: True / False

19. State the precautions you would take with infants and small children when opening an airway.
_____________________________________________________________________________

20. List three methods of delivering rescue breaths:

1. ______________________ 2. __________________________ 3. ______________________

21. When delivering rescue breaths, state how many initial breaths you would deliver? _________

22. State your actions if during CPR, the chest does not rise effectively.

23. List three indications for CPR:

1. ________________________ 2. ______________________ 3. ____________________

24. When compressing an infants’ chest, the depth of the compression is approximately ____/____
the depth of the chest.

25. When compressing an adult’s chest, the depth of the compression is approximately ____/____
the depth of the chest.

26. While performing CPR on an elderly man, you notice that there is evidence of vomitus in his
mouth. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

27. List the rate of compression per minute for an:

Adult: ____________________ Child: __________________ Infant: ____________________

28. When performing compressions, list the appropriate hand or finger configuration for:
Adult: __________________ Child: ________________________ Infant: __________________

Trauma First Aid Questions

1. Your casualty has had his finger amputated. After treating the casualty, state how you would
manage the care of the amputated part:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

2. Direct pressure is one way of controlling bleeding?

o True
o False

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3. A young boy has cut himself with a sharp fishing knife, dark blood is flowing from the wound.
State what vessel has most likely been damaged: ________________________

4. You have applied a pad and bandage to a wound, but the blood has now soaked through. State
your next action: _______________________________________________________________

5. An elderly man complains of abdominal pain and vomits a dark granulated substance on his
shirt. State what posture you would place the casualty in:
_____________________________________________________________________________

6. During a motor vehicle accident a woman has been thrown out of a car. She is conscious, has
several large lacerations and has a large amount of external blood loss. On examination she has
a weak pulse and is pale, cool and sweaty. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

7. If a penetrating object is still in place and there appears to be no bleeding, you should gently
pull the object out to restore the blood supply.
Yes No

8. A laboratory worker has suffered a caustic substance burns to the arm. Material appears to be
stuck to the burnt area. The casualty is wearing a watch.
a) How many minutes would you cool the burns for? _______________ minutes
b) Is it necessary to remove the watch? Yes No
c) Would you remove the material stuck to the burn? Yes No

9. Superficial burns destroy skin and underlying tissues and structures.

True False

10. Scalds are not as serious as burns.

True False

11. List two signs or symptoms you would associate with burns to the airway:
1.___________________________________ 2.______________________________________

12. You find a man lying on the garage floor. He is motionless and has an electric drill in his hand.
State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

13. As a casualty is attempting to repair their car, the battery explodes and the battery acid
splashes into one eye. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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14. State your management of ‘Welders Flash’.
_____________________________________________________________________________

15. It is important not to remove any protruding object from the eye.
True False

16. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, hold the tooth by the: ____________________________

17. Use a clean damp cloth to remove an object off the surface of the eyeball.
True False

18. A female casualty has had a small insect land in her ear. She has been unable to remove the
insect and is extremely distressed. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________

19. State your management for a ruptured eardrum:

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

20. All head injuries must seek medical advice.

True False

21. You are called to help a colleague that has fallen down five steps. A witness indicated that the
casualty was unresponsive for several minutes. The casualty is now responsive and keeps
asking you what happened and has swelling on the back of their head. State your management
of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

22. List four signs or symptoms of a head injury.

1. _______________ 2. _________________ 3. _________________ 4. __________________

23. Concussion is a minor injury only and does not require any medical assistance.
True False

24. Facial injuries may cause complication with the casualty’s airway.
True False

25. A car runs into a concrete barrier. You find in your secondary examination that the driver has
numbness and a loss of feeling to both legs. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

26. List the four signs or symptoms of a spinal injury.

1.________________ 2.________________ 3.________________ 4.________________

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27. Do you remove a motorcycle rider’s helmet if the airway is obstructed?
True False

28. Inability of the casualty to move their fingers or toes may indicate a spinal injury.
True False

29. A fractured rib can be stabilised by strapping the chest with a bandage very tightly.
True False

30. A piece of metal has impaled into a casualty’s chest and prior to your arrival the piece of metal
has been removed. You can hear air passing in and out of the casualty’s chest with each breath
that he takes. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

31. Posture casualties with abdominal injuries on their back with legs bent at the knees.
Yes No

32. You find a casualty lying on their back and you see a large laceration to the abdomen with
several loops of abdominal organs visible. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

33. List three items that can be used to cover protruding intestines.
1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________

34. A three-sided dressing is used for chest wounds that have air passing in and out.
True False

35. A casualty falls two metres from a ladder. The casualty complains about pain in the right leg.
On examination you find deformity, pain, tenderness and a large amount of swelling to the
middle of the lower leg. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
36. State the main aim in the treatment of a fracture:
_____________________________________________________________________________

37. List two items that could be used as an improvised splint.

1.___________________________________ 2.______________________________________

38. After applying a splint, sling or bandage to a casualty, it is important to ensure circulation is still
present.
True False

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39. Describe when you would use the following slings:
Arm sling: _________________________________________________________________
Collar & Cuff sling: ______________________________________________________________
Elevated sling: _________________________________________________________________

40. In a pelvic injury the conscious casualty should be kept flat.

True False

41. During a cricket game the ball hits a player on the thigh. The skin is unbroken and the area is
extremely tender and there is some swelling. The casualty has full movement and no loss of
power. State your management of the casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

42. Complete the following acronym.

R.________________ I.________________ C.________________ E.________________

43. State the precaution that should be observed when using an ice pack on an injury:
_____________________________________________________________________________

44. Dislocations should never be put back in position or ‘reduced’ by the first aider.
True False

45. After applying a bandage to a casualty’s hand and wrist, you should ensure that at least one
fingernail is exposed to check circulation.
True False

46. List two household items which may be used as an emergency ice pack.
1.___________________________________ 2.______________________________________

47. After applying a roller bandage to a lower leg, you test the ‘effectiveness’ of the bandage. How
would you gauge that the bandage was ‘effective’?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Medical First Aid Questions

1. Self-administered adrenaline using an EpiPen® is the main treatment for someone having a
severe anaphylactic episode:
o True
o False

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2. Can the first aider assist the casualty with the administration of adrenaline using an EpiPen®.

o Yes
o No

3. An 18-year-old female co-worker complains about breathing difficulties that she has had for
about 10 minutes and keeps saying that it is becoming more difficult to take a breath. On
examination the casualty is pale with rapid shallow breathing and you hear a pronounced
wheeze. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

4. List three trigger factors of an asthma attack:

1. ______________________ 2. _________________________ 3. _______________________

5. Three signs or symptoms of a severe asthma attack:

1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________

6. Describe what a ‘Reliever’ is used for in asthma: _____________________________________

7. List three signs or symptoms of hyperventilation.

1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________

8. Rapid breathing always indicates hyperventilation.

True False

9. Hyperventilation is treated using a brown paper bag.

True False

10. A fainting casualty normally makes a full recovery once laid flat.
True False

11. List the three signs of fainting.

1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________

12. During a first aid video showing a bloodied victim, a student falls from his chair. He is breathing
normally and has good signs of circulation. On examination you find no injuries. State your
management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

13. You should splash water on a person who has fainted.

True False

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14. State what you should be aware of when an elderly casualty collapses:
_____________________________________________________________________________

15. List three causes of fainting.

1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________

16. A brain attack (stroke) is a minor medical illness only.

True False

17. You find a casualty slumped on the floor confused with paralysis to the left side of the body. A
co-worker tells you that the casualty has been complaining of a headache for several hours.
State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

18. State the best position to place a conscious brain attack casualty:
_____________________________________________________________________________

19. List two causes of a brain attack.

1.___________________________________ 2.______________________________________

20. A friend’s 2-year-old child has developed breathing difficulties. The child has had a cold for
several days and now has a barking cough. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

21. If the same child in question 20 was still and quiet, had a high temperature and was still
drooling, state how you would manage this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

22. Epiglottis has a rapid onset.

True False

23. Epiglottis casualties are better being nursed by a parent.

True False

24. A 75-year-old casualty has been found in her home drowsy and confused. Her skin is cold and
sweaty, and you are told that she is a diabetic. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
25. Barley sugar or jelly beans can be placed in an unconscious diabetic’s mouth to treat low blood
sugar.
True False

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26. List four signs or symptoms of low blood sugar.
1.________________ 2.________________ 3.________________ 4.________________

27. You see several people watching a person on the ground. When you approach you note that
the person is unconscious and has muscular jerks. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

28. The main aim of treating convulsions should be to protect the person from injury.
True False

29. A child has been ill for several days with a high temperature. The child is now unconscious and
has minor muscle jerking. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

30. Aggressive cooling is required for febrile convulsions.

True False

31. A 55-year-old male co-worker complains about chest pain that he has had for about an hour.
He says that the pain feels like an elephant is standing on his chest and he feels sick. On
examination he is pale and sweaty with an irregular pulse. State your management of this
casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

32. Angina is not a serious condition.

True False

33. Pain always goes away with medication.

True False

34. Chest pain can be described by the casualty in several ways, such as heavy pain. List two other
ways the ‘pain’ can be described by the casualty.
1.___________________________________ 2.______________________________________

35. You are eating at a restaurant when a man suddenly stands up and holds his hands to his neck.
He is starting to turn blue and is unable to talk. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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36. If a choking casualty were able to cough, would you still give them firm slaps between the
shoulder blades to help remove the object.

Yes No

37. A co-worker was in a storage shed moving drums around. The vehicle is parked in the shed and
is still running. All the doors and windows are shut and you have found the worker unconscious
inside the shed. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

38. In the case of a poisoning casualty you should always keep a sample of vomitus from the
casualty.
True False

39. List three ways poisoning can occur.

1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________

40. List three signs of symptoms of poisoning.

1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________

41. If possible you should always seek advice from the Poisons Information Centre.
True False

42. You are watching the Sydney-to-Surf race when you see a runner who is staggering across the
road. You go to help and note that she is hot and sweaty and is also confused. The casualty
wishes to continue the race. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

43. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition.

True False

44. When re-warming a casualty vigorously rub the affected area.

True False

45. It is a cold winter day in the snow fields. You find a person sitting on the snow complaining of
numb fingers and cold feet. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

46. You find a teenager submerged in one metre of water in a backyard swimming pool. The
casualty was last seen 10 minutes ago. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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47. After a near drowning experience it is not essential that the casualty seek medical advice.
True False

48. Drowning casualties often have hypothermia.

True False

49. You are called to help a person in a park who says that some kind of snake bit her on the leg.
You see two puncture marks on her leg. State your management of this casualty.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

50. List three bites or stings that require the application of a cold pack or compress.
1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________

51. State what you should avoid doing during the treatment of a tick bite.
_____________________________________________________________________________

52. Unlike a bee, a European Wasp can sting multiple times.

True False

53. Vinegar is the treatment for a ‘Bluebottle’ sting.

True False

54. State the treatment for reducing pain in a Fire Ant bite:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

55. You are called to help a swimmer who has been stung by a Box Jellyfish. The sting area is very
large and the casualty is having trouble breathing. State your management of this casualty:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

56. State the treatment for reducing pain following a stonefish sting:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

57. List four signs or symptoms for a Blue-Ringed Octopus bite:

1.________________ 2.________________ 3.________________ 4.________________

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58. Select the appropriate treatments for the illustrated animals below (tick appropriate boxes).

Funnel Web
Pressure
Cold Pack Hot Pack Immobilisation Vinegar
Bandage

Red Back
Pressure
Cold Pack Hot Pack Immobilisation Vinegar
Bandage

Bee
Pressure
Cold Pack Hot Pack Immobilisation Vinegar
Bandage

European Wasp
Pressure
Cold Pack Hot Pack Immobilisation Vinegar
Bandage

Snake
Pressure
Cold Pack Hot Pack Immobilisation Vinegar
Bandage

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