NIMASA STCW Elementary First Aid Examination (Nigeria)

Under the STCW Elementary First Aid framework, what is the correct order of priorities when executing the DRABC protocol?

• ADanger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation
• BDanger, Resuscitation, Airway, Breathing, Cardiopulmonary
• CDetermine response, Rescue, Airway, Breathing, Compress
• DDamage control, Rescue, Airway, Breathing, Circulation

Before entering a machinery space or engine room to assist an unconscious crew member, what is the most critical first action?

• AAssess the scene for hazards like gas, electricity, or low oxygen levels.
• BImmediately drag the casualty out of the space to fresh air.
• CInitiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) where the casualty is lying.
• DAdminister oxygen from the nearest emergency escape breathing device (EEBD).

What does the "Golden Hour" refer to in shipboard emergency medical response?

• AThe critical first hour after injury when prompt medical treatment yields the highest cha…
• BThe one-hour safety window allowed to report any onboard incident to the company DPA.
• CThe duration of a standard watch shift dedicated to medical safety inspections.
• DThe time limit within which a vessel must reach a helicopter evacuation zone.

Which of the following represents a primary threat to a rescuer attempting to save a casualty from a smoke-filled compartment?

• AInhalation of toxic combustion products and carbon monoxide
• BCasualty non-cooperation due to panic
• CIncorrect positioning of the casualty during recovery
• DStatic electricity discharge from clothing

What is the primary purpose of conducting a primary survey on a casualty?

• ATo identify and treat immediate life-threatening conditions.
• BTo document the incident for the official ship logbook.
• CTo locate minor fractures, sprains, or abrasions.
• DTo administer long-term medical treatments and medications.

What is the primary function of the circulatory system in the human body?

• ATo transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.
• BTo regulate body temperature and skin moisture levels.
• CTo defend the body against physical impact and external pathogens.
• DTo control voluntary and involuntary muscular contractions.

What is the role of the epiglottis in human airway anatomy?

• ATo prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing.
• BTo produce vocal sounds by vibrating as air passes through.
• CTo filter dust and pathogens out of inhaled air.
• DTo regulate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli.

When assessing a casualty on board using the AVPU scale, what does the letter "P" stand for?

• APain (responds only to painful stimuli)
• BPulse (has a strong palpable pulse)
• CPupils (pupils are equal and reactive)
• DPressure (maintains acceptable blood pressure)

If a compartment where you are treating a casualty suddenly fills with toxic exhaust fumes, what is your immediate course of action?

• AMove the casualty and yourself to a safe, well-ventilated area immediately.
• BQuickly finish administering the first aid treatment in place.
• CPut on a simple dust mask and continue chest compressions.
• DOpen the nearest cargo hatch to vent the space manually.

Where is the carotid artery located, and why is it checked by first responders?

• AIn the neck; it is the most reliable site to check for a pulse in an unconscious adult.
• BIn the wrist; it is used to check blood pressure in conscious patients.
• CIn the groin; it is used to control bleeding in the lower extremities.
• DIn the upper arm; it is the primary pulse point for infant resuscitation.

What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult under normal conditions?

• A60 to 100 beats per minute
• B30 to 50 beats per minute
• C110 to 140 beats per minute
• D150 to 180 beats per minute

How does the diaphragm assist in the process of breathing?

• AIt contracts and flattens to increase chest cavity volume, drawing air into the lungs.
• BIt relaxes to squeeze the lungs and force oxygen into the bloodstream.
• CIt filters carbon dioxide out of the pleural cavity during expiration.
• DIt constricts the trachea to prevent stomach acid from entering the lungs.

What is the typical normal respiratory rate for a healthy resting adult?

• A12 to 20 breaths per minute
• B5 to 8 breaths per minute
• C25 to 35 breaths per minute
• D40 to 50 breaths per minute

When checking if an unconscious casualty is breathing normally, how long should you "look, listen, and feel" before making a assessment?

• AFor no more than 10 seconds
• BFor at least 30 to 45 seconds
• CFor exactly 1 minute
• DFor 2 to 3 minutes to confirm slow breathing

You find a crew member lying motionless on deck. The scene is safe. What is your immediate next step?

• AGently shake their shoulders and shout, "Are you okay?" to assess responsiveness.
• BImmediately begin chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute.
• CHyperextend the neck to establish a patent airway.
• DRun to the bridge to sound the general alarm and alert the Captain.

What is the standard ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths for adult CPR?

• A30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths
• B15 compressions to 2 rescue breaths
• C5 compressions to 1 rescue breath
• D30 compressions to 5 rescue breaths

What is the correct depth of chest compressions when performing CPR on an adult casualty?

• AAt least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
• BNo more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to prevent rib fractures
• CApproximately 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
• DVarying depending on the body weight of the casualty

At what rate should chest compressions be delivered during adult CPR?

• A100 to 120 compressions per minute
• B60 to 80 compressions per minute
• C140 to 160 compressions per minute
• DExactly 80 compressions per minute

To perform effective chest compressions, how should the casualty be positioned?

• ALying flat on their back on a firm, hard surface.
• BIn a semi-reclined position in a comfortable bunk.
• CLying on their side in the recovery position.
• DOn a soft mattress to cushion their spine.

When performing CPR on a vessel that is rolling heavily in rough seas, how should the rescuer adapt?

• ASecure the casualty to prevent sliding, and widen their own stance or brace themselves.
• BWait until the vessel enters calmer waters before resuming compressions.
• CPerform CPR only while the casualty is suspended in a Neil Robertson stretcher.
• DDecrease the compression rate to sync with the roll of the ship.

What is the primary reason for placing an unconscious, breathing casualty in the recovery position?

• ATo maintain an open airway and prevent inhalation of vomit or fluids.
• BTo reduce blood flow to the lower extremities and raise blood pressure.
• CTo make it easier to apply splints to fractures.
• DTo keep the casualty warm by reducing body surface exposure.

If a pregnant crew member is unconscious but breathing normally, on which side should they be placed in the recovery position?

• AOn their left side
• BOn their right side
• CFlat on their back with feet elevated
• DOn whichever side is facing the ship’s centerline

What is the first step in managing a conscious adult casualty who is clutching their throat and unable to speak or cough?

• APerform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
• BGive up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
• CAttempt to perform a blind finger sweep of their throat.
• DStart chest compressions immediately.

If a choking casualty collapses and becomes unresponsive, what is your immediate next action?

• ALower them carefully to the deck and begin chest compressions, checking the mouth before…
• BContinue attempting standing abdominal thrusts.
• CPerform emergency tracheostomy using ship medical tools.
• DPlace them in the recovery position and wait for the captain.

When administering first aid for choking to a pregnant or obese casualty, how should you modify abdominal thrusts?

• APerform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.
• BReduce the force of abdominal thrusts by half.
• CPerform back blows only, avoiding any pressure on the torso.
• DLay the casualty flat on their back and press on the sternum.

An unresponsive casualty begins vomiting while you are managing their airway. What is your immediate response?

• ARoll them onto their side to allow the vomit to drain out, and clear the mouth.
• BUse a suction pump immediately without changing their position.
• CKeep them on their back and tilt their head backward.
• DPerform chest compressions to clear the esophagus.

What is the very first step you should take when an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) arrives at the scene?

• ATurn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
• BApply the pads to the casualty’s bare chest.
• CPlug in the connector cable next to the flashing light.
• DShave the casualty’s chest hair completely.

Where should the two standard AED pads be placed on an adult casualty’s chest?

• AUpper right chest (below collarbone) and lower left chest (side of nipple)
• BDirectly over the center of the sternum and on the spine
• COn both the left and right shoulders
• DOn the lower abdomen and upper left chest

Why is it critical that no one touches the casualty while the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm?

• AIt can interfere with the analysis, leading to incorrect shock decisions.
• BIt can cause the AED to shut down automatically.
• CIt will discharge the battery of the AED.
• DIt can cause the rescuer to receive a static shock.

You are treating a casualty on the open deck of a vessel during a rainstorm. How should you prepare the casualty for AED use?

• AMove them to a dry shelter if possible, dry their chest, and ensure they are not in a pud…
• BDo not use the AED, as wet weather makes defibrillation completely impossible.
• CApply the pads directly through their wet clothing to protect the circuit.
• DPour fresh water over the chest to wash away conductive sea salt before placing pads.

In which of the following situations is it acceptable for a first responder to stop performing CPR?

• AThe casualty starts breathing normally, the rescuer is exhausted, or professional medical…
• BThe rescuer has performed CPR for exactly 10 minutes.
• CThe casualty’s skin color changes from pale to blue.
• DThe vessel enters a foreign port limit.

During CPR, why should you minimize the duration of interruptions in chest compressions?

• ATo maintain a constant blood pressure and perfusion to the brain and heart.
• BTo prevent the AED from losing its programming.
• CTo avoid buildup of air in the stomach from rescue breaths.
• DTo ensure the rescuer does not lose their rhythm.

What is the correct hand placement for performing chest compressions on an adult casualty?

• AThe center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum).
• BOn the left side of the chest directly over the anatomical heart.
• COn the upper half of the breastbone near the collarbones.
• DJust below the rib cage in the center of the abdomen.

When delivering rescue breaths during CPR, what indicates that the breath was successful?

• AThe casualty’s chest rises visibly.
• BThe casualty coughs or sighs.
• CThe AED indicates that ventilation is complete.
• DAir is felt escaping from the casualty’s ears.

While on a cargo vessel, a crew member’s infant child begins choking. How do you perform back blows?

• APlace the infant face down along your forearm, supporting the head, and strike their back…
• BHold the infant upside down by their ankles and shake them vigorously.
• CLay the infant on their back and press firmly on their abdomen.
• DStand behind the infant and perform standard abdominal thrusts (Heimlich).

What is the immediate first step to control severe external bleeding from a limb?

• AApply direct pressure to the wound using a clean dressing or cloth.
• BElevate the limb above the heart without touching the wound.
• CApply a tourniquet immediately near the torso.
• DPour antiseptic solution over the wound to clean it.

In a remote maritime setting, under what circumstance should a tourniquet be applied to a bleeding limb?

• AWhen severe, life-threatening arterial bleeding cannot be controlled by direct pressure.
• BFor any venous bleed that has been active for more than 5 minutes.
• COnly when the casualty is unconscious and has a low heart rate.
• DDirectly over the nearest joint above the wound to maximize pressure.

How can you distinguish arterial bleeding from venous bleeding?

• AArterial blood is bright red and spurts with the heartbeat; venous blood is dark red and…
• BArterial blood is dark red and flows slowly; venous blood is bright red and spurts.
• CArterial blood is watery and thin; venous blood contains thick clots.
• DThere is no visual difference; they can only be distinguished by blood pressure.

A crew member is crushed by cargo. They show signs of shock, have a rigid abdomen, and are coughing up dark blood. What do you suspect?

• ASevere internal bleeding
• BA minor abdominal muscle strain
• CAcute food poisoning
• DA mild allergic reaction

What is the correct first aid treatment for a nosebleed (epistaxis) on board a vessel?

• AHave the casualty sit down, lean forward slightly, and pinch the soft part of the nose fo…
• BHave the casualty lie flat on their back and apply ice to their forehead.
• CTilt the casualty’s head back and plug the nostrils tightly with dry cotton wool.
• DInstruct the casualty to blow their nose vigorously to clear out blood clots.

Which of the following sets of symptoms is indicative of hypovolemic shock caused by severe blood loss?

• APale, cold, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; rapid breathing; and confusion.
• BWarm, flushed skin; slow, bounding pulse; and high blood pressure.
• CItchy skin hives; wheezing; and swelling around the eyes and lips.
• DSevere localized chest pain; numbness in the left arm; and profuse sweating.

How should you position a casualty who is showing signs of shock, assuming they have no suspected spinal or chest injuries?

• AFlat on their back with their legs elevated 8 to 12 inches.
• BIn a sitting position with their head bent between their knees.
• CIn the recovery position on their right side.
• DFlat on their stomach with their head turned to one side.

Why is it vital to cover a casualty in shock with blankets, even in warm climates?

• AShock impairs the body’s temperature regulation, making them highly susceptible to hypoth…
• BBlankets prevent light from irritating the casualty’s dilated pupils.
• CThe pressure of the blankets helps stop internal bleeding.
• DIt encourages sweating, which helps flush toxins out of the body.

A crew member suffers a traumatic amputation of a finger. How should the severed finger be preserved for transport?

• AWrap it in sterile gauze, place it in a plastic bag, and seal the bag; then place the bag…
• BPlace the finger directly into a bucket of ice water to freeze it.
• CSubmerge the finger in antiseptic solution or rubbing alcohol.
• DWrap it in wet cotton wool and leave it exposed to air to keep it cool.

You find a crew member with a large metal bolt embedded in their thigh. How should you treat this wound?

• ADo not remove the bolt; stabilize it with bulky dressings and bandage around it.
• BPull the bolt out immediately to allow the wound to be cleaned.
• CWiggle the bolt to check if it has penetrated the femoral bone.
• DApply a tourniquet above the bolt before attempting to pull it out.

How should you dress an open, sucking chest wound on board a vessel?

• AApply a chest seal secured on three sides, or a non-occlusive dressing.
• BPack the wound tightly with dry sterile gauze and seal it on all sides.
• CPour sterile water into the wound to prevent the lung from drying out.
• DPosition the casualty lying on their uninjured side to reduce pressure.