Basic Life Support

What should you do first if you find someone unconscious and unresponsive?

• AMove them immediately
• BCheck responsiveness, call emergency services (999), and begin CPR if trained✓
• CWait for help to arrive
• DLeave them alone

Answer: Time is critical in emergencies. Quick response and professional emergency help save lives.

What is the recovery position and when should it be used?

• AAny comfortable position
• BPlacing an unconscious person on their side with airway open—used for unconscious but breathing people✓
• CNever necessary
• DOnly for serious injuries

Answer: The recovery position maintains an open airway and prevents aspiration in unconscious people.

What does CPR stand for?

• ACareful Patient Response
• BCardiopulmonary Resuscitation—chest compressions and rescue breaths✓
• CCrisis Patient Review
• DCardiac Pressure Relief

Answer: CPR combines chest compressions with rescue breaths to maintain circulation during cardiac arrest. Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute with a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio (30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths).

What should you do if a service user is choking?

• APanic
• BEncourage coughing, perform back blows and abdominal thrusts, call emergency services if needed✓
• CGive them water to drink
• DLeave them alone

Answer: Prompt response to choking can prevent asphyxiation and save lives.

What is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?

• ANot important in care
• BA device that delivers electrical shocks to restart a stopped heart✓
• COnly used by doctors
• DOnly useful for children

Answer: AEDs are increasingly available and vital in saving lives from cardiac arrest.

Where would you expect to find an AED in your care setting?

• AThere won't be one
• BUsually prominently displayed near first aid supplies or in high-traffic areas✓
• CIn a locked cabinet only managers can access
• DAEDs aren't common

Answer: Knowing where emergency equipment is located is vital in emergencies.

What should you do immediately after performing emergency procedures?

• ALeave the person alone
• BKeep them comfortable, monitor vital signs, reassure them, and brief emergency responders✓
• CMove them immediately
• DAssume they're fine

Answer: Post-emergency care and clear communication with professionals ensures continuity of care.

Why is basic life support training important for care workers?

• AIt's not important
• BIt enables you to respond effectively in life-threatening emergencies✓
• COnly doctors need this training
• DIt's never used in practice

Answer: Life support skills can literally save lives. Regular training keeps skills current.

What should be included in your care setting's emergency procedures?

• ANothing specific
• BClear steps for calling emergency services, locations of equipment, roles, and communication plans✓
• COnly for major incidents
• DNo written procedures needed

Answer: Clear emergency procedures ensure rapid, coordinated response when lives are at stake.

A service user collapses and becomes unresponsive with no pulse. You're trained in CPR. What's your priority?

• AWait for ambulance
• BCall 999, start CPR, and continue until emergency services arrive or the person recovers✓
• CMove them to bed
• DWait for a manager

Answer: Immediate CPR and emergency services are critical for survival in cardiac arrest.