ALA Spinal Injury Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many lifeguards are typically needed to safely remove a spinal injury victim from the water using a backboard?
- At least 3 (Correct answer)
- 1 is sufficient with proper technique
- 2 on opposite sides
- 5 or more for all rescues
Correct answer: At least 3
A minimum of 3 lifeguards is typically needed — one to stabilize the head, and two to manage the backboard and body — to safely perform an in-line stabilization extraction.
Question 2: What is the purpose of strapping a victim to a backboard before removing them from the water?
- To prevent the victim from shifting and worsening a spinal injury during extraction (Correct answer)
- To keep the victim warm in cold water
- To make it easier for one rescuer to carry the victim
- To support broken limb fractures
Correct answer: To prevent the victim from shifting and worsening a spinal injury during extraction
Strapping ensures the victim's body remains rigidly immobilized to the board, preventing any lateral or rotational movement that could compress the spinal cord.
Question 3: Where should a lifeguard place their hands during the head-splint technique?
- Along both sides of the victim's head with forearms along the victim's arms (Correct answer)
- Under the victim's chin and base of skull
- On the victim's shoulders pressing inward
- One hand on the forehead and one under the neck
Correct answer: Along both sides of the victim's head with forearms along the victim's arms
In the head-splint technique, the rescuer's hands grip the victim's arms while the forearms press against the sides of the head to create a splint.
Question 4: When a victim with a suspected spinal injury needs rescue breaths, how should the airway be opened?
- Jaw-thrust maneuver without tilting the head (Correct answer)
- Head-tilt chin-lift as in standard CPR
- Turn the head to the side and lift the chin
- Tilt the head back as far as possible
Correct answer: Jaw-thrust maneuver without tilting the head
The jaw-thrust maneuver opens the airway by moving the jaw forward without extending the neck, preserving spinal alignment in suspected spinal injury cases.
Question 5: Which pool rule helps prevent spinal injuries from diving accidents?
- No diving in water less than 9 feet deep (Correct answer)
- No running on the pool deck
- No swimming without a buddy
- No flip turns during open swim
Correct answer: No diving in water less than 9 feet deep
Prohibiting diving in water shallower than 9 feet (or marked areas) prevents the forceful head impact on the pool bottom that causes cervical spine fractures.
Question 6: After successfully placing a spinal injury victim on a backboard, what is the next ALA-recommended action?
- Secure the victim's head with a head immobilizer and call EMS (Correct answer)
- Remove the victim's wet clothing immediately
- Begin CPR regardless of breathing status
- Administer oxygen and check blood pressure
Correct answer: Secure the victim's head with a head immobilizer and call EMS
After securing the victim to the board, a head immobilizer locks the head in place and EMS must be activated to transport the victim to definitive medical care.
ALA Spinal Injury Management 2
How many lifeguards are typically needed to safely remove a spinal injury victim from the water using a backboard?