NASCO Emergency Response & Safety Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A diabetic swimmer becomes confused and aggressive at the pool. Which emergency condition should be suspected first?
- Heat stroke
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) (Correct answer)
- Hyperventilation
- Concussion
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Confusion and aggression in a known diabetic strongly suggest hypoglycemia, which can deteriorate rapidly without glucose.
Question 2: What is the safest position for a conscious, breathing drowning victim who was just removed from the water?
- Supine with legs elevated
- Recovery (lateral) position (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright
- Prone face-down
Correct answer: Recovery (lateral) position
The recovery position protects the airway from vomit and aspiration while the victim remains conscious but groggy.
Question 3: When contacting 911, what key information should a facility staff member provide first?
- Number of bystanders present
- Location of the facility and nature of the emergency (Correct answer)
- Victim's full name and insurance
- Lifeguard certification numbers
Correct answer: Location of the facility and nature of the emergency
Dispatchers need the exact location and type of emergency immediately so they can route the correct units.
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for lifeguards providing CPR rescue breaths?
- Latex gloves only
- Pocket mask or face shield with one-way valve (Correct answer)
- Surgical mask
- No PPE is required for CPR
Correct answer: Pocket mask or face shield with one-way valve
A pocket mask or face shield with a one-way valve prevents cross-contamination while still allowing effective ventilations.
Question 5: A lifeguard performs a compact jump entry for an active drowning victim. Why is this entry preferred over a stride jump in that scenario?
- It allows the lifeguard to keep eyes on the victim throughout the entry (Correct answer)
- It covers greater distance
- It allows the lifeguard to remove the rescue tube mid-entry
- It is faster to execute from an elevated stand
Correct answer: It allows the lifeguard to keep eyes on the victim throughout the entry
The compact jump keeps the rescuer's eyes on the victim at all times so they do not lose the victim's location upon entry.
Question 6: Which chemical exposure scenario requires immediate pool evacuation and 911 activation?
- Slightly elevated chlorine reading at 3.5 ppm
- Accidental release of chlorine gas visible as a yellow-green cloud (Correct answer)
- pH reading of 7.2
- Algae growth along pool walls
Correct answer: Accidental release of chlorine gas visible as a yellow-green cloud
Chlorine gas is toxic and can cause severe respiratory damage; immediate evacuation and emergency services are required.
Question 7: After EMS arrives and takes over, what is the most important duty of the responding lifeguard?
- Restart pool operations immediately
- Provide a full verbal handoff report to EMS personnel (Correct answer)
- Complete the incident report before speaking to EMS
- Return to their scanning zone
Correct answer: Provide a full verbal handoff report to EMS personnel
A verbal handoff gives EMS the patient history, interventions performed, and timeline they need to continue care effectively.
NASCO Emergency Response & Safety Procedures 5
A diabetic swimmer becomes confused and aggressive at the pool.
Which emergency condition should be suspected first?