CORE Outdoor Safety and Survival Skills 4

Question 1

What is the primary symptom that distinguishes heat stroke from heat exhaustion?

Accepted Answer

Altered mental status or unconsciousness

Answer

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency characterized by altered mental status (confusion, unconsciousness), while heat exhaustion typically preserves normal mental function.

Question 2

In avalanche terrain, what percentage of avalanche victims trigger the slide themselves?

Accepted Answer

About 60%

Answer

Approximately 90% of avalanche accidents involve the victim or a member of the victim's group triggering the avalanche, underscoring the importance of terrain awareness.

Question 3

Which cloud formation most strongly indicates an approaching severe thunderstorm?

Accepted Answer

Cumulonimbus (anvil-topped, towering storm clouds)

Answer

Cumulonimbus clouds, which develop a characteristic flat anvil top, are the hallmark of active thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and high winds.

Question 4

When treating a blister to prevent infection in the field, what is the recommended approach for an intact, painful blister?

Accepted Answer

Pop it with a sterile needle at the edge, drain it, and leave the skin intact

Answer

Drain the blister by puncturing the edge with a sterilized needle, then leave the overlying skin intact as a natural protective dressing to prevent infection.

Question 5

A hiker is found with red, hot, dry skin, a rapid pulse, and is unresponsive. The PRIORITY field treatment is to:

Accepted Answer

Actively cool the victim using wet cloths and fanning while arranging evacuation

Answer

Heat stroke requires aggressive, immediate cooling—wet skin and fanning, ice packs to neck/armpits/groin—while simultaneously arranging emergency evacuation.

CORE - Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Practice Test

CORE - Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Practice Test

CORE Outdoor Safety and Survival Skills 4