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The following statements describe appropriate rescue techniques for a victim with a suspected spinal injury, EXCEPT:

a. If the victim is at the surface in deep water, you may need a rescue tube to support yourself and the victim.
b. If the victim is submerged, you should not use the rescue tube when submerging and bringing the victim to the surface.
c. If the victim is small and is in shallow water, you do not need to use a backboard to extricate the victim.
d. If the victim is in shallow water, you do not need to use a rescue tube to support yourself.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The incorrect rescue technique for a victim with a suspected spinal injury is not using a backboard to extricate a small victim from shallow water. Spinal immobilization is key to prevent further injury, regardless of the victim's size or water depth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that describes an inappropriate rescue technique for a victim with a suspected spinal injury is 'c. If the victim is small and is in shallow water, you do not need to use a backboard to extricate the victim'. When dealing with a suspected spinal injury, it's crucial to stabilize the spine during rescue and extrication to prevent further injury. Even if the victim is small or in shallow water, they should be immobilized on a backboard with utmost care to ensure the alignment of the spine is maintained during transport. Rescue tubes might not be necessary in shallow water if the rescuer is able to stand and control the situation, as suggested in choice 'd.'

Concerning rescues in different scenarios, for submerged victims without a spinal injury, the use of a rescue tube while bringing them to the surface is not practiced due to its impracticality under water. However, prehospital care for drowning victims emphasizes that the first step is to safely remove the person from the water prior to initiating CPR, since CPR is ineffective in the water (Myth: 'If someone is drowning, you should start administering CPR immediately, even before you try to get the person out of the water. Reality: Removing a drowning person from the water is the first priority.'). It’s also worth noting that an unconscious person can still be saved if they are rescued with the airway sealed by the laryngeal spasm, highlighting the urgency for swift rescue and CPR efforts.

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