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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

WFR Practice Test: Evaluate Your Wilderness First Aid Skills

Challenge Yourself: WFR Practice Exam & NOLS WFR Practice Test Prep

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration showing bandaged heart and medical icons on golden yellow background for first aid quiz

Ready to prove your skills beyond the beaten path? Dive into our wfr practice test - the ultimate Free Wilderness First Aid Quiz designed for aspiring Wilderness First Responders and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're gearing up for your first wilderness first responder practice test or seeking a NOLS WFR practice test boost, this wfr practice exam challenges you on injury care, emergency response, and survival tactics. Explore our first aid questions library and even warm up with a quick survival quiz to sharpen your instincts. Start now and see if you've got what it takes to keep adventurers safe - let's get started!

What is the correct order of the primary survey in wilderness first aid?
Airway, Circulation, Breathing, Disability
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Check bleeding, Airway, Circulation, Breathing
Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Disability
The primary survey follows the 'ABC' sequence: Airway first to ensure patency, then Breathing to confirm adequate respiration, and finally Circulation to assess perfusion. This approach prioritizes life-threatening conditions in a systematic way. Skipping or reordering these steps can delay critical interventions. Red Cross Primary Survey
How should you control a minor bleeding laceration in the field?
Submerge the wound in ice water
Direct pressure over the wound
Elevate the limb without applying pressure
Apply a tourniquet immediately
Direct pressure is the first and simplest method to control bleeding. It helps compress blood vessels and promotes clotting. Applying a tourniquet is reserved for severe, life-threatening hemorrhage when direct pressure fails. Red Cross Bleeding Control
What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
8 - 12 breaths per minute
6 - 10 breaths per minute
12 - 20 breaths per minute
20 - 30 breaths per minute
An adult's normal resting respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates above or below this range may indicate respiratory distress or other medical conditions. Always compare with patient's baseline when known. Adult Respiratory Rate
What is the best method to clean a small, superficial wound in the wilderness?
Coat with povidone-iodine without cleaning first
Apply rubbing alcohol directly into the wound
Use hydrogen peroxide to scrub the area
Rinse with sterile saline or clean water
The preferred method is to gently rinse the wound with sterile saline or the cleanest water available to remove debris. Harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. After cleansing, you can apply a light antiseptic and dress the wound. CDC Wound Care Guidelines
Which of the following is a common sign of shock?
Warm, flushed skin
Cold, clammy skin
Bounding, strong pulse
Bradycardia
Shock often causes peripheral vasoconstriction, leading to cool, clammy skin. The body redirects blood to vital organs when perfusion drops. Other signs include rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and altered mental status. NIH: Hypovolemic Shock
What is the recommended position for a patient suspected of being in shock?
Supine with legs elevated about 12 inches
Trendelenburg position (head downhill)
Sitting upright at 90 degrees
Prone with head turned to one side
The supine position with legs elevated (also called the modified Trendelenburg) helps improve venous return to the heart and supports blood pressure. The traditional Trendelenburg (head downhill) is no longer routinely recommended. Keep the patient warm and reassess frequently. Wikipedia: Circulatory Shock
When splinting a suspected forearm fracture in the backcountry, you should:
Immobilize both the joint above and below the fracture
Immobilize only the joint above the fracture
Leave the limb unsupported and apply ice
Immobilize only the joint below the fracture
Effective splinting requires immobilizing the fracture site plus the joints above and below to prevent movement. This reduces pain and further soft tissue damage. Always pad the splint and check distal pulses before and after application. Red Cross Splinting Guide
Which symptom best distinguishes heat stroke from heat exhaustion?
Cool, moist skin
Normal body temperature
Altered mental status or unconsciousness
Profuse sweating
Heat stroke is characterized by a core temperature above 104°F and altered mental status or loss of consciousness. Heat exhaustion patients usually remain conscious and have heavy sweating. Rapid cooling and advanced care are critical in heat stroke. CDC Heat-Related Illness
What is often the earliest sign of acute mountain sickness (AMS)?
Cyanosis
Severe dyspnea
Peripheral edema
Headache
Headache is typically the first and most common symptom of AMS, occurring within 6 - 12 hours of ascent. It results from hypoxia-induced cerebral vasodilation and increased intracranial pressure. Other symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. UW Medicine on AMS
Which is the most important initial step in treating hypothermia in the field?
Encourage vigorous exercise
Apply cold packs to the chest
Remove wet clothing and insulate
Immerse the patient in hot water
Removing wet clothing stops ongoing heat loss, and insulation (dry blankets, sleeping bags) helps the body rewarm gradually. Forced activity can worsen heat loss, and hot water immersion risks burns or shock. Warm drinks are also useful if the patient is conscious. CDC Hypothermia Prevention
Which clinical finding suggests a fracture rather than a dislocation?
Visible bone ends protruding
Joint locked but aligned
Crepitus on gentle palpation
Joint pain relieved by movement
Crepitus, a grating sensation felt when bone fragments rub together, is more indicative of a fracture. Dislocations often present with deformity and inability to move the joint but lack the grinding feel. Always immobilize suspected fractures before transport. Johns Hopkins on Fractures
What is the correct technique for molding a SAM splint to a limb?
Fold it flat and wrap with tape
Create a 'C' or 'U' shape around the limb
Bend only at the fracture site
Use it as a rigid straight board
A SAM splint is most effective when formed into a 'C' or 'U' configuration to cradle and stabilize the limb. This conforms to the anatomy and provides three-point pressure. Be sure to pad and secure the splint without cutting circulation. SAM Splint Instructions
A patient complains of increasing pain in a leg cast and pain on passive stretch. You suspect:
Deep vein thrombosis
Compartment syndrome
Cellulitis
Sprain under the cast
Pain out of proportion and pain on passive stretching of muscles are hallmark signs of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. It results from increased pressure within a muscle compartment, compromising circulation. Immediate decompression (fasciotomy) is required. NIH on Compartment Syndrome
How should you manage an open, sucking chest wound in the backcountry?
Leave it uncovered to vent
Seal all four sides immediately
Pack it with dry gauze deeply
Apply a three-sided occlusive dressing
A three-sided occlusive dressing acts as a flutter valve, allowing air to escape from the pleural space but preventing air entry. Sealing all sides can convert it into a tension pneumothorax. Monitor for signs of tension and prepare for evacuation. EMS1 Chest Wound Management
Which action is most appropriate after a venomous snakebite in a remote area?
Cut and suck the venom
Immobilize the limb and keep it at heart level
Apply ice directly to the bite
Apply a constricting band proximal to the bite
Immobilize the affected limb and keep it level with the heart to slow venom spread via lymphatics. Constricting bands and cutting the wound are contraindicated and can worsen tissue damage. Rapid evacuation for antivenom administration is crucial. WJEM Snakebite Field Management
In a high-angle rescue scenario, which rope is preferred for hauling or rappelling?
Static rescue rope
Accessory cord
Kernmantle rappel line
Dynamic climbing rope
Static rescue ropes have minimal stretch, which makes them safer and more efficient for high-angle hauling and rappelling. Dynamic ropes stretch under load, which can lead to bounce and instability in rescue scenarios. Accessory cord is not rated for load-bearing rescues. Rescue Ropes Guide
A climber loses a permanent tooth. The best immediate action is to:
Scrub off any tissue and store in alcohol
Discard it and apply direct pressure only
Wrap it in a dry cloth and transport
Rinse gently and reinsert into the socket or keep in milk
Gently rinse the tooth avoid scrubbing the root, and, if possible, reinsert it into the socket. If that's not feasible, store it in milk or saline to preserve periodontal cells. Immediate dental care improves the chance of successful reimplantation. ADA on Tooth Avulsion
Under START triage, which respiratory rate places a victim in the 'Immediate' category?
Greater than 30 breaths per minute
Less than 10 breaths per minute
Exactly 12 breaths per minute
10 - 29 breaths per minute
In START triage, a respiratory rate above 30 breaths per minute indicates a critically compromised airway and ventilation, categorizing the patient as Immediate. This helps prioritize rapid interventions. Rates within 10 - 29 are assessed further by perfusion and mental status. FEMA START Guidelines
When obtaining intraosseous (IO) access in a wilderness setting, the recommended insertion site is:
Medial malleolus
Distal radius
Greater trochanter of the femur
Proximal tibia, 2 cm below tibial plateau
The proximal tibia site, about 2 cm below the tibial plateau on the medial side, is preferred for IO access due to consistent landmarks and cancellous bone. It provides rapid, reliable access for fluids and medications when IV access is not possible. Proper technique reduces complications like extravasation. NIH on Intraosseous Infusion
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand wilderness trauma assessment protocols -

    Interpret primary and secondary assessment findings to identify injuries and environmental hazards in backcountry scenarios.

  2. Apply injury care techniques for common wilderness emergencies -

    Demonstrate proper wound management, splinting, and bleeding control to address injuries presented in this wfr practice test.

  3. Analyze survival priorities and decision-making processes -

    Prioritize patient needs, resource allocation, and evacuation strategies when faced with simulated emergency situations.

  4. Assess emergency response strategies against NOLS WFR standards -

    Compare your responses to nols wfr practice test benchmarks and identify areas for improvement.

  5. Differentiate types of shock and corresponding interventions -

    Recognize signs of hypovolemic, neurogenic, and anaphylactic shock, and select appropriate first aid measures.

  6. Perform scenario-based first aid actions under time constraints -

    Build confidence by completing timed questions modeled on wilderness first responder practice test scenarios.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Primary Survey with MARCH -

    Master the MARCH sequence (Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia) to quickly identify life threats, as endorsed by NOLS and the Wilderness Medical Society. Begin by controlling catastrophic bleeding, then secure the airway with techniques like the jaw-thrust and assess breathing quality through chest rise and breath sounds. Finish by checking circulation and preventing heat loss - remember "MARCH first, everything else later."

  2. Secondary Assessment & SAMPLE/OPQRST -

    Use the SAMPLE (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last intake, Events) and OPQRST (Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Timing) mnemonics to gather a focused patient history during your secondary survey. This systematic approach, recommended by the Wilderness Medical Society, ensures you don't miss critical details like medication interactions or comorbid conditions. Practice by role-playing scenarios to improve speed and accuracy under pressure.

  3. Hemorrhage Control & Tourniquet Application -

    Apply direct pressure and elevation as first steps, then transition to a hemostatic dressing or tourniquet if bleeding persists, following guidelines from the American College of Surgeons. Place a windlass tourniquet 2 - 3 inches above the wound, tightening until distal pulses disappear - document application time. Quick tourniquet use can reduce mortality from extremity hemorrhage by over 80% (Journal of Trauma).

  4. Hypothermia Recognition & Prevention -

    Identify mild (shivering, apathy), moderate (stiffness, slowed responses), and severe (no shivering, confusion) hypothermia using the Swiss staging system from the International Commission for Alpine Rescue. Preserve core temperature by employing the "First, Last, and Always" rule: insulate head, core, and extremities with layers of moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof shell. Carry a compact emergency bivy or space blanket as a final line of defense against rapid heat loss.

  5. Improvised Splinting & Fracture Immobilization -

    Stabilize suspected fractures by checking Circulation, Sensation, and Motion (CSM) distal to the injury before and after applying a splint, per Red Cross guidelines. Use rigid materials like trekking poles or straight branches padded with clothing, then secure with bandanas or tape in neutral alignment - avoid over-tightening. Practice building "vacuum" and "padded board" splints to confidently immobilize limbs on any trail.

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