First Aid & Emergency Quiz — 30 Questions
In an emergency, the first few minutes are critical — and most people freeze because they do not know what to do. These 30 questions cover CPR, choking, burns, fractures, and emergency response. This is knowledge that could literally save a life.
📋 What's Inside
Why First Aid Knowledge Matters
India loses approximately 1.5 lakh people to road accidents every year — many of whom could have survived with timely first aid. The "golden hour" (the first 60 minutes after a traumatic injury) is critical, and bystander response during this window dramatically improves survival rates.
Yet fewer than 2% of Indians are trained in basic first aid. This quiz is designed to teach essential life-saving skills through an engaging format. Every answer is based on guidelines from the Red Cross, WHO, and Indian medical authorities.
⚠️ Important: This quiz is for educational purposes. For proper first aid training, enroll in a certified course from the Indian Red Cross Society, St. John Ambulance, or your local hospital. In any real emergency, always call 112 first.
Round 1: Life-Threatening Emergencies
In the most critical moments — cardiac arrest, choking, severe bleeding — knowing what to do in the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. This round covers the emergencies where your knowledge matters most.
Q1. What does CPR stand for?
✅ Answer: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation — an emergency procedure combining chest compressions and rescue breathing to maintain blood flow when the heart stops
CPR can double or triple survival rates for cardiac arrest if performed immediately. The brain begins to suffer irreversible damage within 4–6 minutes of cardiac arrest without blood flow. CPR buys time until a defibrillator (AED) arrives or emergency services take over. The American Heart Association recommends everyone learn CPR — it is one of the most valuable life skills.
Q2. What is the correct CPR compression rate for adults?
✅ Answer: 100–120 compressions per minute, at a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm)
A helpful tip: the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees is approximately 100 BPM — the ideal CPR rhythm. For adults, perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (on the breastbone), interlock the other hand on top, and push straight down hard and fast. Allow full chest recoil between compressions.
Q3. What is the Heimlich maneuver?
✅ Answer: An emergency technique for dislodging an object from a choking person's airway using abdominal thrusts
For a conscious choking adult: stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel (below the ribcage), grasp the fist with your other hand, and perform quick inward-upward thrusts until the object is expelled. For infants under 1 year, do NOT use the Heimlich — instead, alternate 5 firm back blows (between the shoulder blades) with 5 chest thrusts.
Q4. What should you do first if someone is having a heart attack?
✅ Answer: Call 112/108 immediately, then have the person chew an aspirin (if not allergic), sit them comfortably, and begin CPR if they become unresponsive
Heart attack warning signs: crushing chest pain (may radiate to left arm, jaw, back), shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness. While waiting for emergency services: have the person chew (not swallow) a 325mg aspirin (it thins blood and can reduce heart damage). Keep them calm and seated upright. If they become unconscious and stop breathing, begin CPR immediately. Time is critical — every minute of delay reduces survival.
Q5. What is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?
✅ Answer: A portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest
AEDs are designed for use by untrained bystanders — the device gives voice prompts and analyses the heart rhythm automatically. It will only deliver a shock if the heart is in a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia). Using an AED within the first 3–5 minutes of cardiac arrest can increase survival by 50–70%. AEDs are increasingly placed in airports, malls, offices, and public spaces.
Q6. What is anaphylaxis?
✅ Answer: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause throat swelling, breathing difficulty, drop in blood pressure, and death within minutes
Common triggers: peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, insect stings, latex, and certain medications (penicillin). Symptoms: hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Treatment: inject epinephrine (adrenaline) immediately using an EpiPen, call 112, lay the person flat (elevate legs unless they have breathing difficulty), and be prepared to perform CPR. Every minute counts.
Q7. How should you control severe bleeding?
✅ Answer: Apply direct, firm pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage, maintain pressure for at least 15 minutes, and call emergency services
Steps: 1) Call 112/108 for severe bleeding. 2) Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth, gauze, or even your hand. 3) Do NOT remove the cloth if blood soaks through — add more layers on top. 4) If possible, elevate the injured area above the heart. 5) If the person has a tourniquet and bleeding is life-threatening from a limb, apply it 2–3 inches above the wound. 6) Keep the person warm and reassured until help arrives.
Q8. How do you recognize the signs of a stroke?
✅ Answer: Use the FAST method: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services
Stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. The FAST test: Face — ask the person to smile (is one side drooping?), Arm — ask them to raise both arms (does one drift down?), Speech — ask them to repeat a simple sentence (is speech slurred or strange?), Time — if ANY of these signs are present, call 112 IMMEDIATELY. Treatment within 3–4.5 hours ("golden period") with clot-busting drugs can dramatically reduce brain damage and disability.
Round 2: Common Injuries & First Aid
Burns, fractures, sprains, and stings happen every day. This round tests your knowledge of the correct first aid response for the most common injuries you are likely to encounter.
Q1. What is the RICE method for treating sprains and strains?
✅ Answer: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation — the standard first aid protocol for soft tissue injuries
Rest: stop using the injured area. Ice: apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours (never apply ice directly to skin). Compression: wrap with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Elevation: raise the injured limb above heart level. RICE is most effective in the first 48–72 hours. Seek medical attention if pain is severe, deformity is present, or the injury does not improve.
Q2. How should you treat a minor burn?
✅ Answer: Cool the burn under cool (not cold/ice) running water for at least 10–20 minutes, then cover loosely with a sterile non-stick dressing
DO: Run cool water over the burn immediately for 10–20 minutes. Remove rings/watches near the burn before swelling starts. Cover with a loose sterile bandage. Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed. DO NOT: Apply ice, butter, toothpaste, or any home remedies (they trap heat and increase damage). Do not burst blisters. Seek emergency care for burns larger than your palm, on face/hands/feet/joints, or if the skin looks charred or white (deep burn).
Q3. What is the correct first aid for a nosebleed?
✅ Answer: Sit upright, lean slightly forward, pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10–15 minutes, and breathe through the mouth
DO: Sit upright and lean forward (prevents blood from running down the throat and causing nausea). Pinch the soft part of the nose (just below the bony bridge) firmly and continuously for 10–15 minutes. Apply a cold compress to the bridge of the nose. DO NOT: Tilt the head back (blood drains into the throat, causing coughing/vomiting), stuff tissues inside the nose, or blow the nose. Seek medical attention if bleeding persists beyond 20 minutes.
Q4. What is the first aid for snake bite?
✅ Answer: Keep the person calm and still, immobilise the bitten limb below heart level, remove jewellery, mark the time of bite, and get to a hospital immediately
India has the world's highest number of snakebite deaths (~50,000/year). DO: Keep the person calm (panic increases heart rate and venom spread), immobilise the bitten limb, note the time, and get to the nearest hospital with anti-venom stock ASAP. DO NOT: Apply a tourniquet (cuts blood flow and can cause gangrene), cut the wound, suck out venom, apply ice, or give alcohol. Most Indian venomous snakes: cobra, krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper.
Q5. What is heatstroke and how should you treat it?
✅ Answer: A life-threatening condition where the body temperature rises above 40°C (104°F) due to prolonged heat exposure, requiring immediate cooling and emergency care
Heatstroke is a medical emergency — the body's temperature regulation fails. Symptoms: high body temperature (40°C+), hot/dry/red skin (no sweating), rapid pulse, headache, confusion, and unconsciousness. First aid: move to shade/air conditioning, remove excess clothing, cool rapidly (cold water immersion, ice packs on neck/armpits/groin, wet sheets with fan), call 112 immediately. Heatstroke kills 1,500+ people in India annually, mostly outdoor workers.
Q6. What is the difference between a sprain and a fracture?
✅ Answer: A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament (soft tissue); a fracture is a broken bone
Both can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement, but fractures typically cause more severe pain, deformity, and inability to bear weight. If you suspect a fracture: immobilise the area (do not try to straighten it), apply ice, and seek immediate medical attention. X-rays are needed to confirm fractures. Never attempt to "set" a broken bone yourself — improper handling can cause nerve damage and worsen the injury.
Q7. What is the first aid for a bee sting?
✅ Answer: Remove the stinger by scraping it sideways (do not squeeze), wash the area, apply ice, and watch for signs of allergic reaction
For most people, bee stings cause localised pain, redness, and swelling. First aid: scrape the stinger out with a credit card or fingernail (squeezing can inject more venom), wash with soap and water, apply ice for 10–15 minutes, and take antihistamine for itching. SEEK EMERGENCY HELP if: difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, dizziness, or rapid pulse — these are signs of anaphylaxis, which requires immediate epinephrine injection and hospital care.
Q8. What is the difference between a first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burn?
✅ Answer: First-degree: redness (sunburn-like); Second-degree: blistering; Third-degree: white/charred skin with destroyed nerve endings
First-degree burns (superficial): affect only the outer layer of skin. Cool water, aloe vera, and pain relief are sufficient. Second-degree burns (partial thickness): form blisters, are very painful. Cool water for 10–20 minutes, loose sterile dressing, see a doctor. Third-degree burns (full thickness): destroy all skin layers and nerve endings — may appear white, brown, or black and feel numb. This is a medical emergency — call 112 immediately. Do not apply water to third-degree burns.
Round 3: Environmental & Situational Emergencies
From heatstroke to drowning, earthquakes to electric shock — environmental emergencies require specific knowledge and quick action. This round covers the emergencies shaped by our surroundings.
Q1. What is hypothermia?
✅ Answer: A dangerous condition where body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), impairing brain and organ function
Hypothermia occurs from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms progress from shivering and confusion to slurred speech, loss of coordination, and eventually unconsciousness. First aid: move the person to a warm location, remove wet clothing, wrap in warm blankets/sleeping bag, give warm (non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated) drinks if conscious, and apply warm compresses to the chest, neck, and groin. DO NOT rub the skin or use direct heat (heating pad/fire). Call emergency services.
Q2. What should you do if someone is drowning?
✅ Answer: Call 112, throw a flotation device if available, do NOT jump in unless you are a trained lifeguard, and perform CPR if the person is unconscious and not breathing
Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional death globally. India loses approximately 40,000 people to drowning annually. Rescue: reach (extend a pole/towel), throw (flotation device), row (boat), but do NOT swim to a drowning person unless trained — panicking victims can pull rescuers underwater. Once rescued: check breathing, perform CPR if needed (start with 5 rescue breaths for drowning victims), and keep them warm.
Q3. What should you do for an electric shock victim?
✅ Answer: Do NOT touch the person while they are in contact with the electrical source — turn off the power or use a non-conducting material to separate them, then call 112 and begin CPR if needed
Electricity can cause cardiac arrest, severe burns, and muscle damage. Steps: 1) Turn off the power source at the switchboard/fuse box. 2) If you cannot turn off power, use a dry non-conducting material (wooden stick, plastic chair, rubber mat) to push the person away from the source. 3) Do NOT use wet or metal objects. 4) Call 112. 5) Check breathing and start CPR if needed. 6) Treat burns with cool water. Even if the person seems fine, they must see a doctor — internal injuries may be hidden.
Q4. What should you do during an earthquake?
✅ Answer: Drop, Cover, Hold On — drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk/table, and hold on until shaking stops
DO: "Drop, Cover, Hold On" if indoors. Stay away from windows, heavy furniture, and objects that could fall. If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees. If driving, pull over and stay in the car. DO NOT: Run outside during shaking (falling debris is the #1 killer), stand in doorways (a myth), or use elevators. After the earthquake: check for injuries, be prepared for aftershocks, and evacuate if the building is damaged.
Round 4: Medical Emergencies & Recognition
Recognising medical emergencies like stroke, diabetic crisis, and seizures early can save lives. This round tests your ability to identify warning signs and take appropriate first aid action.
Q1. What is the recovery position?
✅ Answer: A safe positioning of an unconscious but breathing person on their side to keep the airway clear and prevent choking on vomit
Steps: kneel beside the person, place the arm nearest to you at a right angle, bring the far arm across the chest with the back of the hand against their near cheek, pull the far knee up (bending the leg), roll them towards you onto their side, tilt the head back slightly to open the airway. The recovery position prevents the tongue from blocking the airway and allows vomit/fluids to drain. Check breathing regularly until help arrives.
Q2. What should you do if someone is having a seizure?
✅ Answer: Clear the area of dangerous objects, do NOT restrain the person or put anything in their mouth, time the seizure, and call 112 if it lasts more than 5 minutes
DO: Stay calm, clear the area of sharp/hard objects, place something soft under their head, time the seizure, turn them on their side after the seizure ends (recovery position). DO NOT: Restrain them, put anything in their mouth (they will NOT swallow their tongue), give food/water until fully alert. Call emergency services if: the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, it is their first seizure, they are injured, or they do not regain consciousness.
Q3. What is the first aid for a dog bite?
✅ Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for 15 minutes, apply antiseptic, and seek immediate medical attention for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
India accounts for 36% of the world's rabies deaths (~20,000/year). ALL dog bites (including pet dogs) must be treated as potential rabies exposure. First aid: wash vigorously with soap and water for at least 15 minutes (this alone reduces rabies risk by up to 90%), apply antiseptic (Betadine), and go to the nearest hospital immediately for anti-rabies vaccination. DO NOT apply turmeric, oil, or any home remedy. DO NOT suture the wound immediately. The rabies vaccine is safe and effective if given promptly.
Q4. What is the first aid for a suspected spinal injury?
✅ Answer: Do NOT move the person unless they are in immediate danger — keep them still, stabilise the head and neck, and wait for emergency services
Moving a person with a spinal injury can cause permanent paralysis or death. If you must move them (fire, drowning): maintain alignment of head, neck, and spine — "log roll" with multiple people supporting the body. Keep the person still, reassure them, and call 112. Cover them to prevent hypothermia. If they vomit, log roll them to the side while keeping the spine straight. Spinal injuries are common in road accidents, falls from height, and diving accidents.
Q5. What is the first aid for diabetic emergency (low blood sugar)?
✅ Answer: If the person is conscious, give them something sugary immediately — glucose tablets, juice, sugar water, or candy
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can cause shakiness, sweating, confusion, irritability, and if untreated, loss of consciousness and seizures. If conscious: give 15–20g of fast-acting sugar (glucose tablets, 4 oz juice, regular soda, 3–4 sugar cubes dissolved in water). Wait 15 minutes and recheck. If unconscious: do NOT give anything by mouth (choking risk), place in recovery position, call 112. Diabetics should carry glucose tablets and a medical ID at all times.
Round 5: Emergency Preparedness & Knowledge
Being prepared before an emergency happens is half the battle. This round covers emergency numbers, first aid kits, Good Samaritan laws, and the protocols that guide effective emergency response.
Q1. What is the universal emergency number in India?
✅ Answer: 112 — connects to police, fire, and ambulance services across India
India's single emergency number 112 was launched nationwide in 2019. It works like 911 in the US or 999 in the UK. You can also use: 100 (police), 101 (fire brigade), 108 (ambulance — free in most states), 1098 (child helpline), and 181 (women helpline). The 112 number works even without a SIM card, without network balance, and even when the phone is locked — just press the power button 3 times rapidly.
Q2. What is the emergency number in the USA?
✅ Answer: 911 — connects to police, fire, and emergency medical services
911 was established in 1968 and is now universal across the United States. International emergency numbers: UK (999), EU (112), Australia (000), Japan (110/119), China (110/120). When calling any emergency number, stay calm, state your location, describe the emergency, and follow the dispatcher's instructions. Do not hang up until told to do so.
Q3. What should a basic first aid kit contain?
✅ Answer: Bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, gloves, thermometer, pain relievers, and emergency contact information
A comprehensive first aid kit should include: sterile gauze pads and rolls, adhesive bandages (various sizes), elastic bandage (for sprains), adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes/solution (Betadine/Savlon), scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, thermometer, pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen), antihistamine (for allergies), ORS sachets, burn gel, CPR face shield, and an emergency contact card. Check expiry dates every 6 months.
Q4. What is the DRABC protocol in emergency situations?
✅ Answer: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, CPR — the systematic approach to assessing and managing an emergency
D — Danger: Check if the scene is safe for you and the patient. R — Response: Tap the person's shoulders and ask "Are you okay?" A — Airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway. B — Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for 10 seconds. C — CPR: If not breathing normally, begin CPR (30 compressions, 2 breaths) and call 112. This protocol ensures you do not endanger yourself and systematically assess the patient.
Q5. What is the Good Samaritan Law in India?
✅ Answer: Legal protection for bystanders who help accident victims in good faith — they cannot be harassed by police or hospitals for helping
India's Good Samaritan Law (Supreme Court guidelines, 2016, and Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019) protects people who help road accident victims. Key provisions: good Samaritans cannot be detained by police, cannot be compelled to be witnesses, cannot be demanded to provide personal information, and hospitals must provide initial treatment regardless of payment. Despite this law, most accident victims in India do not receive timely help due to fear of legal hassles.
Essential First Aid Reminders
- Always call for help first — Dial 112 before attempting any first aid. Professional medical help is always the priority.
- Do no harm — If you are unsure what to do, do not attempt procedures you have not been trained in. Keep the person calm and comfortable until help arrives.
- Learn CPR — It is the single most impactful first aid skill. The Indian Red Cross offers affordable CPR certification courses nationwide.
- Keep a first aid kit at home, in your car, and at work — Check supplies and expiry dates every 6 months.
- Know the Good Samaritan Law — You are legally protected when helping accident victims in good faith. Do not let fear of legal trouble prevent you from saving a life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the emergency number in India?
✅ India's universal emergency number is 112, which connects to police, fire, and ambulance services. You can also call 100 (police), 101 (fire), and 108 (ambulance). The 112 number works even without a SIM card or network balance on any mobile phone.
❓ What are the steps of CPR for adults?
✅ CPR for adults follows the C-A-B sequence: Compressions (push hard and fast on the center of the chest at 100-120 compressions per minute, 2 inches deep), Airway (tilt head back, lift chin to open airway), Breathing (give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions). If untrained, perform hands-only CPR (compressions without breaths) until help arrives.
❓ What should you do if someone is choking?
✅ For a conscious choking adult: stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist, make a fist with one hand and place it above the navel, grasp the fist with your other hand, and perform quick upward abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) until the object is expelled. For infants under 1 year, use 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts instead.
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