ACA ACA First Aid & Emergency Response

Question 1

What is the ACA minimum first aid certification requirement for instructors leading trips on Class III+ water?

Accepted Answer

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or higher with CPR

Answer

Standard First Aid and CPR only

Answer

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification

Answer

Basic CPR only

Question 2

What are the early signs of hypothermia that an ACA instructor should recognize in a student?

Accepted Answer

Shivering, slurred speech, poor coordination, and pale skin

Answer

Hot skin, rapid pulse, and confusion

Answer

High energy, sweating, and flushed cheeks

Answer

Nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps only

Question 3

What is the correct field treatment for mild-to-moderate hypothermia during an ACA paddling course?

Accepted Answer

Remove wet clothing, insulate from ground and wind, provide warm fluids if alert, and shelter from weather

Answer

Submerge the patient in warm water immediately

Answer

Vigorous exercise to generate body heat

Answer

Apply direct heat sources like hand warmers directly to the skin

Question 4

What is the ACA-recommended response to a paddler who has been submerged and is unresponsive after rescue?

Accepted Answer

Begin CPR immediately and activate emergency medical services (EMS)

Answer

Place in recovery position only and monitor

Answer

Perform abdominal thrusts to expel water before CPR

Answer

Warm the patient before beginning resuscitation

Question 5

What does SAMPLE stand for in ACA field patient assessment?

Accepted Answer

Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last intake, Events leading up

Answer

Situation, Activity, Movement, Position, Location, Evaluation

Answer

Severity, Assessment, Medical history, Pain level, Location, Evaluation

Answer

Shock status, Airway, Movement, Pulse, Level of consciousness, Examination

Question 6

What is 'cold shock response' and why is it critical knowledge for ACA instructors?

Accepted Answer

The sudden, involuntary gasp reflex and hyperventilation triggered by sudden cold water immersion, which can cause drowning

Answer

Gradual performance decline after extended paddling in cold water

Answer

Freezing of paddle equipment in sub-zero temperatures

Answer

A psychological fear response that prevents entry into cold water