ALA Spinal Injury Management

Question 1

What is the primary concern when managing a suspected spinal injury in the water?

Accepted Answer

Preventing movement of the head and spine

Answer

Removing the victim from the water as quickly as possible

Answer

Checking for breathing before stabilizing the neck

Answer

Keeping the victim's arms at their sides

Question 2

Which mechanism of injury most commonly causes spinal injuries in aquatic environments?

Accepted Answer

Diving into shallow water

Answer

Slipping on a wet deck

Answer

Being pulled through a drain

Answer

Colliding with another swimmer underwater

Question 3

What in-water technique does the ALA recommend to stabilize the head and neck of a suspected spinal injury victim?

Accepted Answer

Head-splint technique

Answer

Cross-chest carry

Answer

Rear approach carry

Answer

Hip-and-shoulder support

Question 4

When should a lifeguard suspect a spinal injury even if the victim is conscious and says they feel fine?

Accepted Answer

After any diving or head-first water entry accident

Answer

Only when the victim reports neck pain

Answer

When the victim is found face-down floating

Answer

When pool depth is less than 3 feet

Question 5

What is the correct procedure for removing a spinal injury victim from the water?

Accepted Answer

Use a backboard with multiple rescuers to maintain spinal alignment

Answer

Lift under the arms and drag to the deck quickly

Answer

Roll the victim onto their back and float them to the edge

Answer

Allow the victim to climb out using the ladder independently

Question 6

Which signal indicates a possible spinal cord injury in a conscious victim in the water?

Accepted Answer

Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

Answer

Rapid breathing and coughing

Answer

Bluish coloring around the lips

Answer

Inability to float independently