Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

Which statement is NOT appropriate when assisting a victim with a suspected spinal injury?

1. If the victim is at the surface in deep water, you may need a rescue tube to support yourself and the victim.

2. If the victim is submerged, you should not use the rescue tube when retrieving them.

3. If the victim is small and is in shallow water, you do not need to use a backboard to extricate them.

4. If the victim is in shallow water, you do not need to use a rescue tube for support.

The correct answer is: If the victim is small and is in shallow water, you do not need to use a backboard to extricate them.

When assisting a victim with a suspected spinal injury, maintaining spinal alignment and avoiding unnecessary movements are critical to prevent further injury. In shallow water, the necessity of using a backboard is dictated not just by the size of the victim but primarily by the potential for a spinal injury. A backboard provides support that helps keep the spine in a neutral position during the extrication process. It's important to consider that even small victims can sustain significant injuries; therefore, using a backboard is considered a best practice to provide adequate immobilization. Situations involving spinal injuries can be unpredictable, and erring on the side of caution is essential in every instance, regardless of the size of the victim. The principle of protecting the spine and ensuring that the individual is stabilized outweighs considerations about the depth of the water or the relative size of the individual.