ACA ACA First Aid & Emergency Response

Question 1

What is the ACA minimum first aid certification requirement for instructors leading trips on Class III+ water?

Accepted Answer

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or higher with CPR

Answer

ACA recommends a minimum of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) plus CPR for instructors on Class III+ water due to the remote nature of river environments.

Question 2

What are the early signs of hypothermia that an ACA instructor should recognize in a student?

Accepted Answer

Shivering, slurred speech, poor coordination, and pale skin

Answer

Early hypothermia symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, poor motor coordination, and pale or bluish skin as the core body temperature begins to drop.

Question 3

What is the correct field treatment for mild-to-moderate hypothermia during an ACA paddling course?

Accepted Answer

Remove wet clothing, insulate from ground and wind, provide warm fluids if alert, and shelter from weather

Answer

Treatment includes removing wet clothing, insulating the patient from cold surfaces and wind, providing warm sweet fluids if the patient is alert, and protecting from further heat loss.

Question 4

What is the ACA-recommended response to a paddler who has been submerged and is unresponsive after rescue?

Accepted Answer

Begin CPR immediately and activate emergency medical services (EMS)

Answer

An unresponsive, non-breathing drowning victim requires immediate CPR and activation of EMS — there is no role for abdominal thrusts in modern drowning resuscitation.

Question 5

What does SAMPLE stand for in ACA field patient assessment?

Accepted Answer

Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last intake, Events leading up

Answer

SAMPLE is a patient history framework: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent medical history, Last oral intake, and Events preceding the incident.

(ACA) American Canoe Association Instructor Certification Practice Test

(ACA) American Canoe Association Instructor Certification Practice Test

ACA ACA First Aid & Emergency Response