How Good Is Your Knowledge of First Aid? Most Americans Score Poorly

If you care for yourself or the health of your family, you must have a solid knowledge of first aid. You need to know how to react at a moment's notice and potentially save a life. The fact is that you don't need to be a medical doctor to make a difference, but you should know the basics.

From understanding the symptoms of heart attacks and choking to learning how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver and CPR, there's a lot you should know. Take this quiz and see how you do. Then, apply the knowledge when it becomes necessary.

If you believe someone is having a heart attack, you can give them this common household medication.

If you want to have a solid knowledge of first aid, then you need to know this. Giving someone with heart attack symptoms an aspirin can reduce the blood clotting that can cause a serious attack.

There is a universal sign that you can make that everyone will understand. What is it?

If you're choking, put both hands up to your throat. That will make it clear to someone else that you need help.

As an adult, you may feel feverish and sick. However, you likely don't have a real fever until you reach this temperature.

As an adult, a temperature of 103 degrees is considered a fever. Be mindful of a high temperature or if you've had a fever for over three days.

If you suddenly lose a tooth and you want to try to preserve it, you can put the tooth in a common household liquid.

Anyone who has a solid knowledge of first aid will tell you that you would put the tooth in milk. The liquid will keep it in good shape until you see the dentist.

When you're giving someone CPR, you need to apply breaths and chest compressions. Do you know how many of each you should give to help someone?

When giving someone CPR, you will give them 30 chest compressions for every two breaths. Do this until you notice an improvement or until help arrives.

If someone gets chemicals or a household cleaner in their eyes, you must immediately try to flush the substance out of their eyes. How long should you flush their eyes?

If someone gets chemicals in their eyes, you need to flush their eyes for at least 20 minutes. You can do that by putting them under a shower head.

Your basic knowledge of first aid should include knowing how to conduct CPR on an injured person. You should take a class to learn everything you need to know. However, if you're not formally trained, there is still something you can do.

Chest compressions. At a minimum, you can conduct chest compressions repeatedly until help arrives. Aim to do at least 100 per minute.

In addition to chest compressions, you need to know the ABCs of CPR. Any idea what they are?

The ABCs of CPR are: airway, breathing, and circulation. You need to clear the victim's airway, apply your rescue breathing, and apply chest compressions. The point of the compressions is to restore circulation.

If you notice that someone is swelling and they need help, you can encourage them to take a medication that you probably have in your kitchen.

Encourage them to take ibuprofen. That will reduce the swelling and fight off the pain.

There is a simple trick you can do for someone who has just fainted.

Many people think that you raise the person's head. However, you're really supposed to raise their feet. That way, the blood will flow back to their brain.

If you notice someone choking, you can perform the Heimlich Maneuver. You can perform it by following the "five and five" method. Do you know it?

The Heimlich Maneuver is essential for your knowledge of first aid. Do it by following the "five and five" method, which is to give five abdominal thrusts and five back blows.

If you are choking and there's no one else around who can perform the Heimlich Maneuver, what can you do?

The best way to dislodge a blockage in your throat is to forcefully thrust your front against a countertop or chair.

You've probably heard that you can put several different substances on a sunburn to quell the pain. What about petroleum jelly?

The answer is false. You should not put petroleum jelly on sunburn. If you do, it won't hurt you, but it won't help with healing.

You may be tempted to take Pepto Bismol, Imodium, or Tums when you think you have food poisoning. Is that the solution to your pain?

It may seem right to take an anti-diarrheal medicine to quell the pain but avoid doing so. These medications will just prevent the bacteria from leaving your system.

Removing a splinter quickly is essential so the area doesn't get infected.

The quickest and easiest way to remove a splinter or other small object is to use a clean needle to get it out.

You should be able to tell when someone is having a heart attack. Do you know the signs?

Typically, someone having a heart attack will exhibit one or all of these symptoms: nausea, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Every family should have this number posted in clear sight in their kitchen.

The number for the National Poison Control Center is 1-800-222-1222.

You should have this essential knowledge of first aid if you live in an area where snakes are common or you're going on vacation to an area where you may be bitten.

If you're bitten by a snake on the arm, you should lower the arm. You do this so that the venom goes away from the heart. Then, get professional medical care.

You need to be careful in colder climates. If you don't treat hypothermia, it could lead to other serious ailments.

If your body temperature reaches below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered hypothermia.

It can be scary if an insect gets stuck into your ear or the ear of a child. However, there is a method you can use to flush it out. What is it?

You can pour oil into the ear. Mineral, olive, or baby oil will do. The heavier fluid will help to float the insect out.