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WACE Outdoor Education study materials
WACE Outdoor Education study resources

WACE Outdoor Education practice questions

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Question 1Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

When planning a multi-day bushwalk in a remote area, which document should be left with a responsible person before departure so they know when to raise an alarm?

  1. A list of every meal carried by each participant
  2. A trip intention plan with route, party details and expected return time Correct answer.
  3. A copy of the bushwalking club membership list
  4. A map of the nearest town to the trailhead

Explanation

A trip intention plan records the route, the number of people in the party, the vehicle details and the expected return time so a responsible contact can alert authorities if the party is overdue. Without this information, searchers cannot know where to look or when to begin.

Question 2Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

In the Australian bushwalking emergency distress signal convention, what does a group of six signals (such as whistle blasts or torch flashes) repeated at regular intervals indicate?

  1. A call for help or a distress situation Correct answer.
  2. A request for the party to move to higher ground
  3. An instruction to make camp for the night
  4. Confirmation that the party is safe and continuing

Explanation

The international ground-to-air and bush distress convention uses six signals in a minute followed by a pause, repeated. Three signals in a minute is the recognised reply meaning the message is understood.

Question 3Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A bushwalker becomes overheated on a hot day, with flushed dry skin, confusion and a core temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. Which action is the priority?

  1. Give small sips of water and continue walking slowly
  2. Apply cool water, fan the person and call emergency services Correct answer.
  3. Have the person stand and stretch to improve circulation
  4. Place the person in a sleeping bag to prevent shivering

Explanation

These signs indicate heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency in which the body's cooling fails. Active cooling must begin immediately while emergency help is summoned, because delay increases the risk of organ damage.

Question 4Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which combination of clothing layers best manages moisture and warmth for a cold, wet day of hiking?

  1. A synthetic base layer, an insulating mid layer and a waterproof outer shell Correct answer.
  2. A down jacket worn directly against the skin
  3. A cotton base layer under a waterproof shell
  4. A single thick woollen jumper with no outer layer

Explanation

A synthetic base layer moves sweat away from the skin, the mid layer traps warmth and the shell blocks wind and rain. This layering system lets a walker add or remove insulation as exertion and weather change.

Question 5Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Before leading a group across a river, which factor is the most important to assess first?

  1. The number of photographs the group wants to take
  2. The temperature of the air on the bank
  3. The water depth, speed and the availability of a safe exit downstream Correct answer.
  4. The colour of the riverbed stones

Explanation

Depth and current speed determine whether a crossing is safe at all, and a downstream exit point matters if someone is swept away. A crossing should be abandoned or relocated if these factors are unfavourable.

Question 6Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

What is the main purpose of a topographic map's contour lines when planning a route?

  1. They mark property boundaries and fences
  2. They record the vegetation type along the route
  3. They show the location of tracks and firebreaks
  4. They indicate the steepness and shape of the terrain Correct answer.

Explanation

Contour lines join points of equal elevation, so their spacing reveals slope: closely spaced lines mean steep ground and widely spaced lines mean gentle ground. Reading them lets a party estimate climbing effort and identify ridges, gullies and cliffs.

Question 7Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group navigating with a compass has a magnetic bearing of 045 degrees and the local magnetic variation is 8 degrees east. What is the true bearing?

  1. 037 degrees
  2. 053 degrees Correct answer.
  3. 008 degrees
  4. 045 degrees

Explanation

When variation is east, magnetic north lies east of true north, so the true bearing equals the magnetic bearing plus the variation. Adding 8 degrees to 045 gives 053 degrees true.

Question 8Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which stove practice is safest inside a well-ventilated tent vestibule during steady rain?

  1. Use the stove inside the closed inner tent for warmth
  2. Operate the stove in the vestibule with the door partly open and never leave it unattended Correct answer.
  3. Place the stove on a sleeping mat to protect the floor
  4. Refuel the stove while it is still burning to save time

Explanation

Fuel stoves produce carbon monoxide, so they must only be used where there is cross-ventilation and never in a sealed space. Keeping the vestibule door open and supervising the stove reduces both poisoning and fire risk.

Question 9Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

What is the recommended minimum drinking water quantity to plan per person per day for a moderate bushwalk in warm conditions?

  1. About 10 litres
  2. About 0.5 litres
  3. About 3 to 4 litres Correct answer.
  4. About 1 litre

Explanation

Rough planning guidance for warm-weather walking is around three to four litres per person per day, increased with heat, altitude and exertion. Carrying too little risks dehydration, while water sources should be treated before drinking.

Question 10Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A party is caught on an exposed ridge as a thunderstorm approaches. What is the safest immediate action?

  1. Lie flat on the ground in the open
  2. Shelter under the tallest tree on the ridge
  3. Stand together in a tight circle holding metal walking poles upright
  4. Descend to lower ground and spread the group out in a sheltered area Correct answer.

Explanation

Lightning tends to strike high, exposed points, so moving off ridges and summits to lower ground reduces risk. Spreading the group out limits the number of casualties from a single strike, and shelter should be sought in low, dense vegetation rather than under isolated tall trees.

Question 11Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which item is essential in a group first aid kit for treating a suspected snake bite in a remote area?

  1. Antiseptic cream for the bite site
  2. Antivenom ampoules for direct injection
  3. A compression bandage for applying a pressure immobilisation technique Correct answer.
  4. A tourniquet to be left tightened for several hours

Explanation

Current first aid for snake bite uses pressure immobilisation: a broad compression bandage over the bite and up the limb to slow venom movement, with the limb splinted and the patient kept still. Antivenom is given only by medical personnel in hospital.

Question 12Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A canyoner wants to check the day's weather and flash-flood risk before entering a narrow slot canyon. Which source and decision is most appropriate?

  1. Check the forecast for the nearest town and enter if it is sunny there
  2. Check catchment-specific forecasts and rainfall radar, and cancel if rain is likely anywhere in the catchment Correct answer.
  3. Enter quickly to finish before any rain arrives
  4. Ask a friend who visited the canyon last summer

Explanation

Flash floods are generated by rain falling anywhere in the catchment, which may be far from the canyon itself. Catchment-specific forecasts and radar help identify upstream rainfall that could send water through the slot.

Question 13Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which behaviour best demonstrates the 'leave no trace' principle when camping in a popular bush campsite?

  1. Digging a new fire pit beside the existing one
  2. Burying food scraps near the tent
  3. Cutting green branches to build a shelter
  4. Using an established campsite and carrying out all rubbish Correct answer.

Explanation

Concentrating use on established sites limits cumulative damage, and packing out all rubbish, including food scraps, prevents wildlife attraction and pollution. Fires should use existing rings or a stove rather than new pits.

Question 14Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

During an abseil, a climber's hair becomes caught in the descender. What is the safest response?

  1. Lean backwards to take weight off the device
  2. Release both hands to free the hair quickly
  3. Keep the brake hand on the rope, call for a belay or assistance and have a partner secure the situation Correct answer.
  4. Cut the rope above the descender to release tension

Explanation

Releasing the brake hand on a descender can cause an uncontrolled fall, so control of the rope must be maintained at all times. Calling for help allows a partner to secure the abseiler, for example by taking in rope or adding a friction hitch.

Question 15Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

What is the main reason for using a 'buddy check' before a group begins a paddling activity on flat water?

  1. To record each person's lunch preferences
  2. To assign seats in the shuttle vehicle
  3. To decide who paddles fastest
  4. To confirm each paddler's personal flotation device is correctly fitted and fastened Correct answer.

Explanation

A buddy check has each paddler confirm that their partner's personal flotation device is properly fitted, fastened and undamaged before launch. This peer verification catches loose straps or missing equipment that a person may overlook on themselves.

Question 16Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which planning step best reduces risk when a group of mixed ability plans a coastal walk with a rising tide cutting off a headland?

  1. Plan the section to cross the headland at low tide with a margin, and identify the escape route Correct answer.
  2. Start the walk at high tide so the water is already high
  3. Rely on the group's fastest walker to scout ahead alone
  4. Leave the tide table at home to save weight

Explanation

Tidal cut-off points should be timed to be passed well before or after high tide, with spare time for slower members and a known retreat. Identifying the escape route in advance allows the group to turn back safely if progress is slower than planned.

Question 17Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A hiker with a suspected fractured lower leg must be evacuated. Which action is most appropriate while waiting for rescue?

  1. Have the hiker try to walk out to save time
  2. Remove the boot and straighten the leg forcefully
  3. Immobilise and support the limb, keep the patient warm and monitor for shock Correct answer.
  4. Massage the leg to reduce swelling

Explanation

Splinting and supporting the injured limb limits further damage and pain, while warmth and monitoring address the risk of shock. Walking on a suspected fracture can worsen the injury and delay recovery.

Question 18Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which statement correctly describes the difference between a hazard and a risk in outdoor activity planning?

  1. A hazard is the potential source of harm, while risk is the likelihood and consequence of that harm occurring Correct answer.
  2. Risk is the physical object that causes injury, while hazard is the chance of injury
  3. A hazard is always more dangerous than a risk
  4. Hazard and risk are interchangeable terms with no practical difference

Explanation

A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, such as a cliff or cold water, whereas risk combines how likely harm is with how severe it would be. Risk management then reduces either the likelihood or the consequence.

Question 19Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group is walking in dense fog and cannot see landmarks. Which navigation technique is most reliable?

  1. Following a creek downstream to find people
  2. Counting paces on a compass bearing and checking distance along the route Correct answer.
  3. Following the direction the wind is blowing
  4. Walking downhill until reaching a road

Explanation

In poor visibility, navigation depends on measuring direction and distance rather than on sight. Following a compass bearing while counting paces, and checking the map for expected features, keeps the party on the planned line.

Question 20Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to treat a blister forming on a walker's heel during a long hike?

  1. Cover it with a dressing or tape to reduce friction and adjust footwear Correct answer.
  2. Drain it with a dirty needle and keep walking
  3. Ignore it and continue at the same pace
  4. Remove the boot and continue walking barefoot

Explanation

Blisters are caused by friction and moisture, so the priorities are to reduce rubbing and protect the skin with a dressing or tape. Adjusting laces and socks helps remove the cause rather than only the symptom.

Question 21Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

When is it appropriate to activate an emergency distress beacon (PLB) during a remote bushwalk?

  1. When someone wants to confirm the route with the police
  2. When there is a genuine threat to life or serious injury requiring urgent rescue Correct answer.
  3. When the group is running two hours behind schedule
  4. When the weather becomes cloudy

Explanation

A personal locator beacon should be activated only for a genuine life-threatening emergency, because a false activation commits search and rescue resources and can place responders at risk. Minor delays or discomforts are managed within the group.

Question 22Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group must cross a steep grassy slope with loose rock. Which technique best reduces the risk of a slip becoming a fall?

  1. Traverse carefully with weight over the uphill foot, keeping three points of contact where needed and staying out of the fall line of others Correct answer.
  2. Link arms and move as a wide line
  3. Move quickly across the slope in a straight line
  4. Run downhill to reach flatter ground sooner

Explanation

On loose or steep ground, keeping weight over the uphill foot and maintaining contact points improves stability. Staying out of the fall line below others prevents one slip from injuring several people.

Question 23Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Why should a party travelling in remote country carry a communication device in addition to a mobile phone?

  1. Mobile phones are heavier than satellite devices
  2. Mobile coverage is often absent in remote areas, so a satellite messenger or beacon provides a reliable emergency link Correct answer.
  3. Mobile phones cannot store maps
  4. Satellite devices are required by law on all walks

Explanation

Mobile coverage is unreliable or absent across much of remote Australia, so a satellite-based device gives a dependable way to call for help. A phone remains useful for maps and photography but cannot be relied on for emergencies.

Question 24Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A bushwalker falls into cold water and is pulled out showing confusion, slurred speech and uncontrollable shivering. What is the priority?

  1. Leave the person to rest alone while the group sets up camp
  2. Remove wet clothing, insulate and gently rewarm the body while handling the person carefully and seeking help Correct answer.
  3. Encourage the person to walk briskly to generate heat
  4. Give hot drinks immediately and rub the limbs vigorously

Explanation

These signs indicate moderate to severe hypothermia, where rough handling can trigger dangerous heart rhythms. The priorities are to remove wet clothing, insulate and rewarm gently while arranging evacuation.

Question 25Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which factor most affects the difficulty of a planned day walk and should be included in the route plan?

  1. The colour of the group's uniforms
  2. The brand of boots worn by the leader
  3. The number of photographs taken last time
  4. Total distance, total ascent and the technical difficulty of the terrain Correct answer.

Explanation

Route difficulty is driven mainly by distance, cumulative climb and the technical demands of the ground, together with expected conditions. These figures let a leader compare the plan against the group's fitness and daylight available.

Question 26Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which item should a bushwalker carry so they can treat a small cut and reduce the chance of infection while on a day walk?

  1. A waterproof map case
  2. A folding shovel for digging
  3. A small personal first aid kit with dressings and antiseptic Correct answer.
  4. A spare set of walking poles

Explanation

A personal first aid kit containing dressings and antiseptic lets a walker clean and cover minor wounds promptly, which lowers infection risk in dirty outdoor conditions. Other equipment supports travel or navigation but cannot manage a wound.

Question 27Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

What is the main purpose of leaving a trip intention form with a responsible person before a remote walk?

  1. To record the group's fitness levels for later use
  2. To satisfy a requirement for carrying a map
  3. To claim a discount on park entry fees
  4. To give a known itinerary so a search can start if the party is overdue Correct answer.

Explanation

A trip intention tells a trusted contact where the group is going and when it should return, so authorities can be alerted and a search focused if the party fails to return. It is a safety backstop that operates when the group cannot raise help itself.

Question 28Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which practice best protects a walker's feet during a long multi-day hike?

  1. Wearing two pairs of thick socks with no liner
  2. Wearing brand-new boots straight out of the box
  3. Taping the whole foot tightly before starting
  4. Breaking in boots beforehand and managing hot spots early Correct answer.

Explanation

Pre-worn boots mould to the foot and reduce friction, and addressing hot spots as soon as they appear prevents them becoming blisters. This combination is the most reliable foot-care strategy on long walks.

Question 29Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

When packing a backpack for a bushwalk, which principle guides where heavy items should be placed?

  1. Heavy items in the outer pockets for easy access
  2. Heavy items distributed evenly in every pocket
  3. Heavy items at the very bottom to lower the centre of gravity
  4. Heavy items high and close to the back for stability Correct answer.

Explanation

Placing dense items high and near the spine keeps the load close to the body's centre of gravity, so the pack feels lighter and the walker stays balanced on uneven ground. Loads placed far from the body create leverage that tires the carrier.

Question 30Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

What does a weather forecast of 'south-westerly winds increasing to 40 km/h' most directly mean for a planned coastal walk?

  1. Exposed sections may become harder to walk and spray may reduce visibility Correct answer.
  2. The walk should be cancelled because wind always causes danger
  3. The temperature will certainly drop below freezing
  4. The tide will arrive earlier than predicted

Explanation

Strong onshore winds make exposed coastal sections physically demanding and can drive spray that reduces visibility and chills walkers. The forecast informs route and timing choices rather than automatically cancelling the trip.

Question 31Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which action is the correct first step when a group member collapses and is unresponsive but breathing normally?

  1. Ask them to stand up and walk it off
  2. Place them in the recovery position and monitor breathing Correct answer.
  3. Give them water to drink
  4. Leave them alone to rest

Explanation

An unresponsive but breathing casualty should be placed in the recovery position to keep the airway clear and allow fluids to drain, then monitored continuously. Giving anything by mouth to an unresponsive person risks choking.

Question 32Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

What is the main function of a sleeping mat under a sleeping bag when camping in cold conditions?

  1. To insulate the sleeper from cold conducted through the ground Correct answer.
  2. To make the ground softer only
  3. To keep the sleeping bag clean
  4. To stop the tent from moving

Explanation

The ground conducts heat away from the body far faster than air, so a mat provides essential insulation beneath the sleeper. Comfort is a secondary benefit compared with preventing heat loss.

Question 33Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which of these is the best example of a 'control measure' in an outdoor risk management plan?

  1. Deciding to cross the river only at a shallow ford with a linked rope Correct answer.
  2. Listing the group's ages
  3. Recording that a river crossing is a hazard
  4. Noting that the weather might change

Explanation

A control measure is a specific action taken to reduce a risk, such as choosing a shallow crossing point and using a rope. Merely identifying hazards or recording conditions is part of assessment, not control.

Question 34Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group plans a walk that crosses a tidal flat. Which information is most important to confirm before setting out?

  1. The tide times and the duration of safe crossing Correct answer.
  2. The number of other walkers expected
  3. The brand of the group's boots
  4. The colour of the track markers

Explanation

Tidal flats are only passable for a window around low tide, so the group must know when low tide occurs and how long the crossing takes to ensure they are clear before water returns. Getting this wrong can trap a party.

Question 35Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

During a river crossing, a walker should unclip their pack's sternum strap and waistbelt. What is the main reason?

  1. To allow the pack to be released quickly if the walker falls Correct answer.
  2. To make walking faster
  3. To keep the pack dry
  4. To reduce the pack's weight

Explanation

If a walker falls in moving water, a clipped pack can hold them under or drag them downstream. Releasing straps lets the pack be shed so the person can float and self-rescue.

Question 36Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group is caught in a sudden hailstorm on open ground with no shelter nearby. Which action is safest?

  1. Crouch low with packs covering heads and move to lower ground Correct answer.
  2. Lie flat on the highest point
  3. Continue walking quickly along the exposed ridge
  4. Stand under the tallest tree in the area

Explanation

Hail and lightning risk are reduced by moving off high, exposed ground and protecting the head, since lightning tends to strike tall or elevated objects. Sheltering under an isolated tall tree increases the chance of a strike.

Question 37Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A paddler on a calm lake capsizes a short distance from shore. What should they do first?

  1. Remove the life jacket to swim faster
  2. Swim immediately to shore leaving the craft
  3. Dive under the craft to right it
  4. Hold onto the craft and signal for help Correct answer.

Explanation

Staying with the craft provides buoyancy and a larger visual target for rescuers, and signalling attracts assistance. Abandoning the craft or removing flotation increases the risk of drowning.

Question 38Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

What is the most reliable way to confirm a navigation bearing when using a map and compass in the field?

  1. Ask another group which way they are going
  2. Follow the most worn path
  3. Take a bearing to a known feature and check it against the map Correct answer.
  4. Estimate the direction from the sun's position only

Explanation

Taking a bearing to an identified feature and comparing it with the mapped position cross-checks both the compass work and the location. Relying on sun estimates, other groups or worn paths introduces error.

Question 39Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A walker develops painful, pale and numb fingers on a cold, windy day. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Rub the fingers vigorously with snow
  2. Continue walking to warm up naturally
  3. Apply direct heat from a hot water bottle
  4. Warm the fingers gradually against the body and protect from wind Correct answer.

Explanation

Early cold injury should be rewarmed gradually using body heat while sheltering from wind, which avoids further tissue damage. Rubbing or rapid direct heat can injure already damaged tissue.

Question 40Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Why should a group set a 'turnaround time' when planning a summit walk?

  1. To guarantee everyone reaches the top
  2. To make the walk more competitive
  3. To ensure the group returns before dark even if the summit is not reached Correct answer.
  4. To reduce the number of rest breaks

Explanation

A turnaround time is a pre-agreed deadline that triggers retreat regardless of progress, preventing the group from being benighted or caught by worsening conditions. It prioritises safe return over reaching the objective.

Question 41Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group's route passes through an area of recent bushfire. Which hazard is most relevant to plan for?

  1. Lower than usual temperatures
  2. Increased mosquito numbers
  3. Falling ash and unstable burnt trees Correct answer.
  4. Reduced need to carry water

Explanation

Recently burnt country often has unstable, falling trees and hot ash pits that can cause injury, so routes should avoid burnt forest or be planned with extra caution. Other listed factors are minor or incorrect.

Question 42Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

What is the main reason a group should practise using its emergency communication device before departure?

  1. To reduce the device's weight
  2. To confirm the battery is full and the device works where they are going Correct answer.
  3. To register the device with the manufacturer
  4. To learn how to switch it off

Explanation

Testing a device beforehand confirms it holds charge and functions, and checking coverage for the intended area prevents surprises when help is genuinely needed. Familiarity with operation is also gained.

Question 43Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group member twists an ankle on a rough track and cannot bear weight. Which combination of actions is most appropriate?

  1. Continue walking to test the ankle
  2. Rest, ice, compression and elevation while arranging evacuation Correct answer.
  3. Ignore it and reassess at the end of the day
  4. Massage the ankle firmly and keep walking

Explanation

Rest, ice, compression and elevation reduce swelling and pain in a suspected sprain while the group organises help or evacuation. Continuing to load an injured joint can worsen the injury.

Question 44Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group cooking with a fuel stove in windy conditions should take which precaution?

  1. Place the stove on a wooden table
  2. Use a windscreen and keep the stove away from tents and dry grass Correct answer.
  3. Fill the fuel bottle while the stove is lit
  4. Cook inside the tent for shelter

Explanation

A windscreen improves efficiency and stability, and keeping the stove clear of tents and dry vegetation prevents fire. Refuelling a lit stove or cooking inside a tent creates serious fire and carbon monoxide risk.

Question 45Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group is descending a steep scree slope. Which technique best reduces the risk of injury?

  1. Descend in a controlled zigzag with short steps and weight over the feet Correct answer.
  2. Jump from rock to rock
  3. Lean backwards and slide
  4. Run down to reach the bottom quickly

Explanation

Short, controlled steps on a zigzag line keep the body's weight over the feet and reduce the chance of a slide becoming an uncontrolled fall. Speed and jumping increase the risk of losing balance.

Question 46Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

Which factor most strongly justifies carrying a paper map and compass as well as a GPS device on a remote walk?

  1. Electronic devices can fail or lose power and need a backup Correct answer.
  2. Paper maps are lighter than GPS units
  3. Compasses are required by law on all walks
  4. Paper maps show more detail than any GPS

Explanation

Electronic navigation aids depend on batteries and satellite reception, both of which can fail in remote areas, so a map and compass provide a reliable backup. Their weight or detail is not the key justification.

Question 47Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group plans a winter alpine walk and the forecast shows a front arriving earlier than expected. What is the best planning response?

  1. Reduce the amount of warm clothing carried
  2. Shorten the route and set an earlier turnaround to stay ahead of the front Correct answer.
  3. Keep the original plan and rely on speed
  4. Add a side trip to use the good morning weather

Explanation

When a weather front may arrive early, shortening the route and bringing the turnaround forward keeps the group in safer conditions and reduces exposure to the worst weather. Adding objectives or cutting insulation increases risk.

Question 48Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

In a risk assessment matrix, a hazard rated 'high likelihood, severe consequence' should be managed by which approach?

  1. Eliminating or substituting the activity, or applying strong controls Correct answer.
  2. Accepting it because outdoor activities always carry risk
  3. Transferring all responsibility to participants
  4. Recording it and continuing without change

Explanation

A hazard with high likelihood and severe consequences sits at the top of the matrix and requires the strongest response, such as removing the hazard or applying robust controls. Simply accepting or recording it leaves an unacceptable risk.

Question 49Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A group of mixed fitness levels plans a long day walk. Which planning approach best manages the risk of the slowest member becoming exhausted?

  1. Base the route and timing on the slowest member's pace with extra margin Correct answer.
  2. Remove rest breaks to save time
  3. Plan for the fastest member's pace and let others catch up
  4. Split the group so faster members go ahead alone

Explanation

Planning around the slowest member's pace, with a time margin, keeps the group together and prevents exhaustion or stranding. Splitting the group or cutting rest breaks increases risk for weaker members.

Question 50Outdoor skills and safe practices (activity-specific technical skills, planning and preparation, risk management, first aid and emergency response)

A walker shows signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness and dizziness. Which response is most appropriate?

  1. Move them to shade, cool them and give small sips of water Correct answer.
  2. Wrap them in warm clothing
  3. Have them continue walking to build fitness
  4. Give them a large meal immediately

Explanation

Heat exhaustion is managed by removing the person from heat, cooling them and replacing fluids gradually. Continuing exertion or adding warmth worsens the condition and can progress to heat stroke.