ACA ACA First Aid & Emergency Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the ACA-required content of a basic paddling course first aid kit?
- Only band-aids and antiseptic wipes
- Wound care supplies, CPR barrier device, emergency blanket, triangular bandages, and medical gloves (Correct answer)
- Prescription medications and IV supplies
- An AED device and oxygen administration equipment
Correct answer: Wound care supplies, CPR barrier device, emergency blanket, triangular bandages, and medical gloves
A paddling course first aid kit should include wound care supplies, a CPR barrier device, emergency blanket, bandaging materials, and medical gloves at a minimum.
Question 2: What is 'swim soak drowning' (secondary drowning) and why must ACA instructors monitor for it?
- A drowning that occurs days after a near-drowning event when aspirated water causes lung inflammation (Correct answer)
- Fatigue-induced drowning after prolonged swimming in current
- A term for drowning in cold water versus warm water
- A condition caused by drinking river water during swims
Correct answer: A drowning that occurs days after a near-drowning event when aspirated water causes lung inflammation
Secondary drowning occurs hours after a near-drowning event when aspirated water causes pulmonary inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, potentially causing respiratory failure.
Question 3: How should an ACA instructor manage a suspected spinal injury following a paddler's impact with a rock?
- Immediately pull the victim onto shore by the arms
- Stabilize the head and spine in the water, minimize movement, and keep the airway above water until EMS arrives (Correct answer)
- Have the victim sit up slowly to assess mobility
- Remove the helmet immediately to check for head injury
Correct answer: Stabilize the head and spine in the water, minimize movement, and keep the airway above water until EMS arrives
Suspected spinal injuries require manual stabilization of the head and spine while maintaining the airway above water, minimizing movement until trained EMS personnel arrive.
Question 4: What is the most common injury seen in whitewater paddling that ACA instructors must be prepared to manage?
- Broken leg from rock impact
- Shoulder dislocation from bracing or rolling in high-stress situations (Correct answer)
- Hypothermia in all conditions
- Spinal cord injury from every capsize
Correct answer: Shoulder dislocation from bracing or rolling in high-stress situations
Shoulder dislocation is the most common serious injury in whitewater paddling, typically caused by an extended brace or high-brace maneuver under significant hydraulic force.
Question 5: What does 'RICE' stand for in ACA field treatment for soft tissue injuries?
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (Correct answer)
- Rinse, Inspect, Cover, Evaluate
- Reduce, Immobilize, Circulate, Elevate
- Rest, Irrigate, Compress, Examine
Correct answer: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation — the standard protocol for managing sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries in the field.
Question 6: What is the ACA instructor's responsibility when a student experiences a medical emergency during a class?
- Continue teaching while a co-instructor handles the emergency
- Immediately stop instruction, activate the emergency action plan, and prioritize patient care and EMS notification (Correct answer)
- Document the incident after the class ends before calling for help
- Ask other students to handle the emergency while the instructor continues the lesson
Correct answer: Immediately stop instruction, activate the emergency action plan, and prioritize patient care and EMS notification
Any student medical emergency requires the instructor to immediately halt instruction, implement the pre-established emergency action plan, and ensure EMS is notified while providing appropriate care.
ACA ACA First Aid & Emergency Response 2
What is the ACA-required content of a basic paddling course first aid kit?