Emergency Response & Safety Procedures Flashcards

When a lifeguard activates an EAP for a spinal injury in the water, what is the FIRST priority?

Answer: Stabilize the victim's head and spine in the water

Spinal stabilization must begin immediately in the water before any other steps to prevent further injury.

Which rescue technique is most appropriate for a conscious distressed swimmer in deep water who is still at the surface?

Answer: Throwing a heaving line

A throwing assist keeps the rescuer out of the water and is preferred when the victim is reachable by thrown equipment.

During a multiple-victim emergency, what does the Incident Command System (ICS) primarily help manage?

Answer: Chain of command and resource allocation

ICS establishes clear chain of command and coordinates resources efficiently during large-scale emergencies.

What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR per current AHA guidelines used in NASCO training?

Answer: 30:2

Current guidelines call for 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths for adults.

An AED delivers a shock but the victim does not regain a pulse. What should the responder do next?

Answer: Immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes, then re-analyze

After a shock, CPR should be resumed immediately for 2 minutes before the AED re-analyzes the rhythm.

Which sign most clearly distinguishes a passive drowning victim from an active distressed swimmer?

Answer: Victim is face-down and motionless

Passive drowning victims are submerged or face-down and show no voluntary movement, requiring immediate in-water rescue.

What does the term 'zone of safety' refer to in aquatic emergency response?

Answer: The perimeter established to keep bystanders away from an emergency scene

A zone of safety is a controlled perimeter that prevents crowd interference and keeps the emergency scene manageable.