Chapter 11

List three examples of high-risk or high-impact activities that could take place in an aquatic environment.

List five signs or symptoms of a brain injury.

List five signs or symptoms of a spinal cord injury.

Under what two conditions should you suspect that an injured person in the water has a head, neck or spinal injury?

For each situation below, decide whether to use a rapid extrication technique or extrication with spinal motion restriction. Situation: A patron dives off the diving board, strikes another patron in the water and goes limp. When turned face-up, they appear to be breathing.

• Rapid extrication technique

• Extrication with spinal motion restriction

For each situation below, decide whether to use a rapid extrication technique or extrication with spinal motion restriction. Situation: A wakeboarder at a waterfront experiences a high-speed, face-first fall onto the water. They appear to be unresponsive and not breathing.

• Rapid extrication technique

• Extrication with spinal motion restriction

How can a lifeguard provide in-line stabilization for a person with a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury during a rescue? Select ALL that apply.

• a. By using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique

• b. By using a head splint technique

• c. By using the head and chin support technique

• d. By using the modified jaw-thrust maneuver

Put the steps for responding to a water emergency when a head, neck, or spinal injury is suspected in order.

• Activate EAP

• Remove the person from the water

• Perform a rescue while providing in-line stabilization

• Form an initial impression/look for breathing

• Safely enter the water (if necessary)

A person slips and falls off the diving board ladder and lands on their back on the deck. The person is breathing and does not appear to have any bleeding or broken bones. EMS is called. What is the appropriate first aid care for this person?

• Place them in a recovery position, monitor their condition and maintain their body temperature until EMS professionals arrive

• Place them on a backboard using the head immobilizer device and chest strap to facilitate transport to the hospital when EMS professionals arrive

• Ensure their head, neck and spine are in alignment, monitor their condition and maintain their body temperature until EMS professionals arrive

• Leave them in the position in which they were found, monitor their condition and maintain their body temperature until EMS professionals arrive

You enter the water to rescue a person with a suspected spinal injury. The person does not appear to be breathing. What should you do next?

• Remove the person from the water using a rapid extrication technique

• Remove the person from the water using an extrication with spinal motion restriction technique

• Remove the person from the water using a modified rapid extrication technique

• Delay removal from the water and provide 2 minutes of in-water ventilations