15 CPR Interview Questions and Answers

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique that is used when someone’s heart stops beating. When performed correctly, CPR can be the difference between life and death.

If you are interviewing for a job that requires CPR training, you can expect to be asked questions about the procedure. In this article, we will provide some sample questions and answers related to CPR that you can use to prepare for your interview.

1. What is CPR?

This question is a basic knowledge test that the interviewer may ask to see if you have the necessary skills and qualifications for the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to define what CPR stands for and how it works. You can also mention some of its benefits as well as any situations in which you would use it.

Example: “CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It’s a life-saving technique used on someone who has suffered cardiac arrest or stopped breathing. The purpose of CPR is to circulate blood through the body by performing chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This helps keep oxygen flowing to vital organs until emergency medical services arrive. I’ve performed CPR many times throughout my career, including when I was working at an urgent care clinic.”

2. When should you begin performing CPR on someone who has collapsed and isn’t breathing normally?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of CPR procedures. In your answer, explain the steps for performing CPR and when you would begin doing so on someone who has collapsed but isn’t breathing normally.

Example: “If I see that someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, I should immediately call 911 and then start performing CPR. If they are still unresponsive after five cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths, I should continue until help arrives or the person becomes responsive again.”

3. How do you administer chest compressions?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of CPR skills. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you can follow directions and perform tasks with accuracy. When answering this question, be sure to provide specific steps for administering chest compressions.

Example: “When performing chest compressions, I first make sure my hands are clean and sanitized. Then, I place one hand on top of the other, making sure they’re directly over the sternum. Next, I press down hard enough so that the patient’s entire chest moves inward. I continue these compressions at a rate of 100 per minute until help arrives.”

4. How do you perform rescue breaths?

This question is a basic test of CPR skills. It’s important to show the interviewer that you know how to perform this skill correctly and efficiently. You can answer this question by describing the steps involved in performing rescue breaths.

Example: “To perform rescue breaths, I first make sure my mouth is close to the patient’s mouth. Then, I cover their mouth with mine and breathe into their lungs for about one second. After taking a breath out, I place my mouth back over theirs and wait for them to exhale. I repeat this process until they start breathing on their own.”

5. What’s the ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths for an adult victim?

This question tests your knowledge of the proper CPR ratio. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you know how to perform CPR correctly and safely. In your answer, explain that there is no exact ratio for chest compressions and rescue breaths. Explain that it depends on the situation and the victim’s condition.

Example: “There is no exact ratio for chest compressions and rescue breaths. It depends on the situation and the victim’s condition. For example, if a victim has stopped breathing, I would give two rescue breaths for every 30 chest compressions. If they are still not breathing after five cycles, I would call 911.”

6. What are some common causes of cardiac arrest in children?

This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of CPR skills for children. It also helps them determine if you have experience working with this age group and how you might handle it. When answering, consider including some causes that are unique to children as well as those that apply to adults.

Example: “Some common causes of cardiac arrest in children include respiratory distress, choking or suffocation, shock, drug overdose and trauma. In my last role, I responded to a call where a child was experiencing cardiac arrest due to suffocation. The parents were home at the time, but they didn’t realize their toddler had gotten into an open bag of sugar. We administered CPR until emergency medical services arrived.”

7. What’s the importance of knowing first aid when administering CPR?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand the importance of administering CPR in a safe and effective way. You can use this question as an opportunity to highlight your critical thinking skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize important tasks.

Example: “Knowing first aid when administering CPR is essential because it allows me to assess the situation more thoroughly before I begin administering CPR. If there are any injuries or conditions that could affect my ability to administer CPR effectively, I can address them immediately so they don’t interfere with the patient’s care. Knowing first aid also helps me determine whether the patient needs additional medical assistance.”

8. What’s the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of CPR skills and how they apply to real-world situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of when you’ve used each term in the past.

Example: “A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked by a clot or plaque buildup. This causes damage to the heart muscle, which can lead to chest pain and other symptoms. Cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat are disrupted. The result is no heartbeat, which leads to death if not treated immediately.”

9. Can you explain what CAB stands for?

This question is a basic knowledge test that the interviewer may ask to see if you have enough CPR training to be successful in this role. This is an opportunity for you to show your understanding of what CAB stands for and how it relates to CPR.

Example: “CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is when someone performs chest compressions on a patient’s heart and mouth-to-mouth breathing. The CAB acronym stands for circulation, airway and breathing. These are the three main steps of performing CPR.”

10. Where can you take a CPR course?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have the ability to take a course and learn CPR skills on your own. They want to know that you can complete training independently, so they don’t need to provide it for you. In your answer, explain where you took your last CPR class and how you learned about it.

Example: “I took my last CPR certification through the American Heart Association. I found out about the program from a friend who had taken it before me. She told me all about her experience with the program and encouraged me to sign up. I did, and I enjoyed learning more about CPR.”

11. What is the best way to check if someone is still alive after they have been resuscitated?

This question is a continuation of the previous one and tests your knowledge on how to check for signs of life in someone who has been resuscitated. You can answer this question by describing what you would do to check for signs of life after performing CPR.

Example: “After I perform CPR, I will listen for breathing or look for movement in the chest area. If there are no signs of either, I will feel for a pulse at the carotid artery in the neck. If there is still no pulse, I will continue to check every few minutes until I find a pulse.”

12. What happens to your body during sudden cardiac arrest?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the human body and how it responds during sudden cardiac arrest. It also allows you to show that you understand what happens when someone experiences this type of emergency.

Example: “When someone suddenly loses oxygen, their heart stops beating and they lose consciousness. This is known as sudden cardiac arrest. During this time, blood flow stops completely and brain cells begin to die within four minutes. If CPR isn’t performed immediately, the person will likely die. The best thing to do in this situation is perform CPR until professional medical help arrives.”

13. What does BLS stand for?

The interviewer may ask this question to test your knowledge of the American Heart Association’s guidelines for CPR. You can answer this question by defining BLS and explaining what it stands for.

Example: “BLS stands for Basic Life Support, which is a certification that I earned after completing an online course with the American Heart Association. The organization offers several other certifications in advanced life support and pediatric life support as well. These certifications are important because they show employers that you have the necessary skills to perform CPR on patients.”

14. What is the purpose of having BLS certification?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you understand the importance of BLS certification and how it can benefit patients. You can answer this question by explaining what BLS certification means, why it’s important and how it can help save lives.

Example: “BLS certification stands for Basic Life Support, which is an advanced level of CPR training. Having BLS certification shows that I have the skills necessary to perform life-saving procedures on patients who are in cardiac arrest. This certification also allows me to provide other first aid services such as bleeding control and automated external defibrillation.”

15. What is the minimum amount of time required to learn CPR?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have the dedication and motivation to learn CPR skills. They want to know that you are willing to put in the time and effort to learn a new skill, even if it takes longer than expected. In your answer, explain how you would research the best methods for learning CPR and what steps you would take to ensure you learned the skill as quickly as possible.

Example: “I would first look at the requirements of my state or city to find out exactly what I need to do to become certified in CPR. Then, I would search online for the most effective ways to learn CPR. I would also speak with professionals who work in healthcare about their experiences with learning CPR and which resources they recommend.”