Is Your First Aid Knowledge Up to Date? Take Our Quick True-or-False Quiz
When was the last time you took a First Aid course?
If you can’t remember, you’re not alone; many people haven’t reviewed their life-saving skills since their last job requirement or years-old certification. But emergency guidelines change often, and what you learned five or ten years ago might be outdated today.
The American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver® CPR/AED/First Aid course, offered by ACLS Academy, ensures you’re equipped with the most current and practical techniques to handle real-world emergencies, from burns and bleeding to allergic reactions, choking, and cold exposure.
Before you book your next class, test yourself with this quick true-or-false quiz and see how your First Aid knowledge measures up.
🔥 Question 1: You should cool a burn by applying ice directly to the skin.
Answer: False.
While cooling a burn is the right instinct, ice can actually cause further tissue damage. Instead, use cool (not cold) running water for 10–20 minutes to lower the skin temperature safely. Once cooled, loosely cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing and seek medical help for severe burns.
For more serious burns, those that are deep, blistering, or larger than the size of your palm, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.
🩸Question 2: If someone is bleeding heavily, you should remove any objects stuck in the wound before applying pressure.
Answer: False.
Never remove a large object or debris embedded in a wound; it may be controlled by applying internal pressure. Instead, apply firm pressure around the object using a clean cloth or dressing, and call 911. If possible, keep the injured area elevated above heart level while waiting for help.
The Heartsaver® course from ACLS Academy teaches participants how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and use proper techniques to control it until emergency responders arrive.
🤧 Question 3: You should give someone experiencing a severe allergic reaction an antihistamine like Benadryl before using an epinephrine auto-injector.
Answer: False.
In a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), time is critical. Epinephrine should be given first; it’s the only medication that can stop anaphylaxis. Antihistamines can help with mild allergic reactions, but are not a substitute for epinephrine in life-threatening situations.
After administering an epinephrine auto-injector, always call 911, even if symptoms seem to improve. The person may need further medical care or a second dose.
🚨 Question 4: You should only call 911 if a person becomes unconscious or stops breathing.
Answer: False.
It’s better to call for help early than too late. If someone is experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, severe bleeding, or any condition that appears life-threatening, or if you’re unsure, call 911 right away.
The AHA Heartsaver® CPR/AED/First Aid course emphasizes early activation of emergency services as a key step in the Chain of Survival, the sequence of actions that gives someone the best chance of recovery.
🫁 Question 5: When someone is choking, you should try to remove the object with your fingers, even if you can’t see it.
Answer: False.
This is a common and dangerous misconception. Never perform a blind finger sweep, as it can push the object deeper into the airway. If the person is coughing forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing.
If they can’t speak, breathe, or make sounds, begin abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive, then start CPR and call 911.
The Heartsaver® course includes hands-on training for responding to choking in adults, children, and infants, giving you the confidence to act quickly and correctly.
❄️ Question 6: If someone has frostbite, you should rub or massage the affected area to restore warmth.
Answer: False.
Rubbing frostbitten skin can cause further tissue damage. Instead, move the person to a warm area, remove any wet clothing, and immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, at a temperature of around 99° to 104°F, until color and sensation return.
Never use direct heat, such as a heating pad or open flame, and seek medical attention for severe frostbite or signs of hypothermia. The Heartsaver® course covers how to recognize and manage cold-related emergencies safely and effectively.
❤️ Question 7: CPR should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals.
Answer: False.
Anyone can perform CPR with proper training! In fact, bystander CPR —the immediate action taken by everyday people —saves thousands of lives each year.
Through ACLS Academy’s Heartsaver® course, you’ll learn how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform chest compressions, and use an AED confidently, even if you’re not a healthcare provider. The course includes realistic, hands-on practice with manikins and AED trainers to build confidence in high-stress situations.
How Strong Are Your First Aid Skills?
If you get a few of these wrong, don’t worry - you’re exactly who this course is designed for. First Aid knowledge can fade or become outdated, and even small mistakes can have significant consequences in an emergency.
The AHA Heartsaver® CPR/AED/First Aid course provides a comprehensive, practical approach to handling the most common workplace and everyday emergencies, including:
Cardiac arrest and choking
Bleeding, burns, and broken bones
Allergic reactions and shock
Heat- and cold-related illnesses
Environmental emergencies and more
Courses are taught by experienced ACLS Academy instructors who are active healthcare professionals, bringing real-world insight to every lesson. You’ll not only learn the latest evidence-based techniques but also gain confidence to act when it matters most.
Guidelines for First Aid and CPR evolve as new research emerges. For example, the AHA updates its guidelines every five years, meaning what you learned even a few years ago may have changed.
Refresher training ensures that your response is based on the most current science and that you’re prepared to act quickly and correctly in the event of an emergency at work, home, or in the community.
Take the Next Step
Knowledge is power—but practice saves lives.
If you’re ready to refresh your skills and renew your certification, enroll in ACLS Academy’s AHA Heartsaver® CPR/AED/First Aid course today. Our flexible class schedules, expert instructors, and hands-on training will prepare you to respond with confidence when every second counts.
Learn more or schedule your next class.