NPLQ First Aid and Emergency Response 3

Question 1

Which symptom most strongly suggests a spinal injury in a pool accident victim?

Accepted Answer

Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

Answer

Numbness or tingling in the extremities indicates possible spinal cord involvement and requires immediate spinal precautions.

Question 2

What is the preferred in-water technique for managing a victim with a suspected spinal injury?

Accepted Answer

Apply a vise-grip or head-splint and log-roll the victim onto a backboard

Answer

The vise-grip or head-splint technique maintains the head and spine in a neutral position while the victim is log-rolled onto a backboard.

Question 3

In secondary drowning (near-drowning), what is the primary medical concern in the hours following rescue?

Accepted Answer

Delayed pulmonary edema and hypoxia

Answer

Aspirated water can cause delayed pulmonary edema and dangerous hypoxia hours after the initial incident.

Question 4

A victim is found floating face-down in the pool with a suspected spinal injury. What is the FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Stabilize the head and spine in a neutral position before any further movement

Answer

Stabilizing the head and spine in a neutral position must occur before any movement to prevent worsening a potential injury.

Question 5

When extracting a spinal injury victim from the pool on a backboard, how should the board be positioned?

Accepted Answer

Submerged horizontally under the victim

Answer

The backboard is submerged and slid horizontally beneath the victim so it can be lifted straight up without bending the spine.

(NPLQ) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Practice Test