ALA Spinal Injury Management 2

Question 1

How many lifeguards are typically needed to safely remove a spinal injury victim from the water using a backboard?

Accepted Answer

At least 3

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the victim from shifting and worsening a spinal injury during extraction

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Along both sides of the victim's head with forearms along the victim's arms

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Jaw-thrust maneuver without tilting the head

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

No diving in water less than 9 feet deep

Answer

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.

ALA - American Lifeguard Association Certification Practice Test

ALA - American Lifeguard Association Certification Practice Test

ALA Spinal Injury Management 2