ACA ACA Rescue & Emergency Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which knot is most commonly recommended in ACA swiftwater rescue for attaching a throw bag line to a carabiner?
- Square knot
- Figure-eight on a bight (Correct answer)
- Clove hitch
- Granny knot
Correct answer: Figure-eight on a bight
The figure-eight on a bight creates a strong, reliable loop that is easy to inspect and untie even after loading.
Question 2: What is the recommended swimming position when caught in a river rapid?
- Swim headfirst to build speed
- Float face-down and remain still
- Float on your back, feet downstream, toes up (Correct answer)
- Dive under the surface to avoid waves
Correct answer: Float on your back, feet downstream, toes up
The defensive swimming position (back flat, feet downstream, toes up) protects the head and allows feet to deflect obstacles.
Question 3: What is a 'hydraulic' or 'hole' in whitewater, and why is it dangerous?
- A fast, straight channel that is safe to paddle
- A recirculating reversal of water behind a drop that can trap paddlers (Correct answer)
- A shallow section with exposed rocks
- An underwater eddy that spins boats sideways
Correct answer: A recirculating reversal of water behind a drop that can trap paddlers
A hydraulic is a recirculating feature where surface water flows back upstream, creating a washing machine-like trap for swimmers.
Question 4: What does 'foot entrapment' mean and how should paddlers avoid it?
- A foot stuck in a paddle blade; avoid by using wrist guards
- A foot wedged between rocks while standing in moving current; avoid by never standing in fast water above knee depth (Correct answer)
- A cramp caused by cold water; avoid by stretching before paddling
- A foot tangled in a throw bag line; avoid by coiling lines properly
Correct answer: A foot wedged between rocks while standing in moving current; avoid by never standing in fast water above knee depth
Foot entrapment occurs when a foot is wedged between rocks and the current forces the body downstream, submerging the head — paddlers should never stand in fast water above knee depth.
Question 5: During a group paddle, what is the purpose of the 'sweep' position?
- To paddle ahead and scout hazards
- To paddle at the rear and ensure no one is left behind (Correct answer)
- To carry the heaviest gear load
- To signal upcoming turns to the group
Correct answer: To paddle at the rear and ensure no one is left behind
The sweep paddler travels at the back of the group so they can assist any paddler who falls behind or encounters difficulty.
Question 6: When should an ACA instructor call for emergency medical services (EMS) in the field?
- Only after completing all in-group rescue attempts
- As soon as any participant capsizes
- Whenever there is a suspected spinal injury, unconsciousness, or situation beyond the group's ability to manage (Correct answer)
- Only when the participant requests it
Correct answer: Whenever there is a suspected spinal injury, unconsciousness, or situation beyond the group's ability to manage
EMS should be called immediately when a situation exceeds the group's management capacity, especially for suspected spinal injuries or loss of consciousness.
ACA ACA Rescue & Emergency Response 2
Which knot is most commonly recommended in ACA swiftwater rescue for attaching a throw bag line to a carabiner?