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American Red Cross Lifeguarding:
Chapter 11 Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary concern when caring for a victim with a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury in the water?✔✔ Preventing further movement to avoid worsening the injury.
How should a lifeguard first approach a victim with a suspected spinal injury in the water?✔✔ Approach from the front, keep the victim's head in line with the spine, and use a rescue tube for support.
Why should a lifeguard use the head-splint technique on a spinal injury victim?✔✔ It helps stabilize the head and neck to minimize movement.
What should a lifeguard do if a spinal injury victim is not breathing?✔✔ Remove them from the water while maintaining spinal stabilization and begin CPR immediately.
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How can lifeguards minimize movement when rescuing a spinal injury victim in deep water?✔✔ Use the spinal backboarding technique and maintain stabilization throughout the rescue.
Why is it important to keep a spinal injury victim’s face above water?✔✔ To ensure they can breathe and prevent drowning.
What should a lifeguard do if a spinal injury victim is floating face down and unresponsive?✔✔ Carefully roll them over while maintaining spinal alignment and check for breathing.
How can a spinal injury occur in a swimming environment?✔✔ From diving into shallow water, colliding with another swimmer, or hitting a pool structure.
Why is it important to have another lifeguard assist with a spinal injury rescue?✔✔ Additional support is needed to stabilize and safely remove the victim from the water.
What should a lifeguard do after securing a spinal injury victim to a backboard?✔✔ Ensure the victim’s head is immobilized and remove them from the water carefully.
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