CAT CAT Emergency Procedures and Response

Question 1

What is the first action an aquatic technician should take upon discovering a pool patron in distress in the water?

Accepted Answer

Activate the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and alert lifeguard staff immediately

Answer

Jump in and attempt a rescue

Answer

Turn off the circulation pumps

Answer

Call the pool manager

Question 2

Which chemical combination is extremely dangerous and must never be allowed at an aquatic facility?

Accepted Answer

Mixing chlorine and acid (muriatic acid) together

Answer

Adding sodium bicarbonate after chlorine

Answer

Using liquid chlorine with salt chlorination

Answer

Combining calcium hypochlorite with cyanuric acid in water

Question 3

When a pool chemical spill occurs, what PPE should an aquatic technician don before attempting cleanup?

Accepted Answer

Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and appropriate respiratory protection per the SDS

Answer

Only latex gloves

Answer

A standard dust mask and sunglasses

Answer

No PPE is needed for small spills

Question 4

What is breakpoint chlorination, and when is it used as an emergency procedure?

Accepted Answer

Super-chlorinating to 10× the combined chlorine level to destroy chloramines causing water quality issues

Answer

Adding chlorine after a rain event to restore pH

Answer

Shock dosing to raise pH above 8.2

Answer

Dosing algaecide to kill a green pool overnight

Question 5

How should an aquatic technician respond to a fecal accident (formed stool) in a public pool?

Accepted Answer

Close the pool, remove the feces, raise free chlorine to 20 ppm at pH 7.5, hold for 8 hours

Answer

Close the pool, remove the feces, super-chlorinate to 2 ppm free chlorine, and reopen after 30 minutes

Answer

Add extra chlorine without closing the pool

Answer

Vacuum the pool floor without changing the chemistry

Question 6

In the event of a suspected drowning victim being removed from the pool, what is the immediate priority of the aquatic technician?

Accepted Answer

Support EMS response by keeping bystanders clear and providing emergency equipment access

Answer

Drain the pool immediately

Answer

Test the water chemistry to document pre-incident conditions

Answer

Turn off all pool lights for safety