You and another lifeguard find an unresponsive person. What do you do? This guide will provide you with the steps you need to take to assess the situation, provide emergency care, and activate emergency medical services (EMS).
When you find an unresponsive person, it is important to remain calm and assess the situation quickly. First, check for responsiveness by calling out to the person and gently shaking them. If the person does not respond, call for help and activate EMS.
Scene Assessment
The immediate environment where the unresponsive person was found was a crowded beach with numerous swimmers and sunbathers. The time of day was approximately 3:00 PM, and the weather conditions were clear and sunny, with a moderate breeze. There were no obvious hazards in the immediate vicinity.
Upon discovering the unresponsive person, the lifeguards immediately assessed the scene and determined that it was safe to approach. They established a perimeter around the person to prevent interference from bystanders and potential hazards.
Victim Assessment
The unresponsive person was a female, approximately 25 years old, with no visible injuries or signs of distress. The lifeguards attempted to arouse the person by calling her name and gently shaking her, but there was no response. They then checked for breathing and found that she was not breathing normally.
The lifeguards immediately initiated CPR and continued until EMS arrived. They also checked for a pulse and found that it was weak and irregular.
Emergency Response
The lifeguards activated EMS by calling 911 and provided the dispatcher with the location, condition of the person, and the actions they had taken. While waiting for EMS to arrive, the lifeguards continued CPR and provided oxygen using a portable ventilator.
When EMS arrived, the lifeguards transferred care of the person to the paramedics. The paramedics stabilized the person’s condition and transported her to the nearest hospital.
Lifeguard Roles and Responsibilities: You And Another Lifeguard Find An Unresponsive
The lifeguards involved in the incident worked as a team to provide emergency care to the unresponsive person. One lifeguard was responsible for assessing the scene and ensuring the safety of the person and the other lifeguards. Another lifeguard was responsible for performing CPR and providing oxygen.
A third lifeguard was responsible for communicating with EMS and providing updates on the person’s condition.
The lifeguards worked together effectively, communicating clearly and coordinating their actions to provide the best possible care to the person.
Environmental Factors
The environmental factors at the time of the incident were favorable for lifeguarding operations. The water temperature was warm, the weather was clear and sunny, and there were no significant hazards in the immediate vicinity.
However, the lifeguards were aware that the beach was crowded, which could have posed a challenge if the person had needed to be transported from the beach to the ambulance. The lifeguards took precautions to ensure that the person was transported safely and quickly.
Documentation and Reporting
After the incident, the lifeguards completed a written report documenting the events that had occurred. They also obtained witness statements from bystanders who had seen the incident.
The lifeguards reported the incident to their supervisor and the local authorities. They also provided a copy of their report to the hospital where the person was transported.
Training and Preparedness
The lifeguards involved in the incident were well-trained and prepared to respond to an emergency situation. They had received regular training in CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding techniques.
The lifeguards also had access to up-to-date equipment, including a portable ventilator and oxygen tank. This equipment helped them to provide the best possible care to the person.
Q&A
What should you do if you find an unresponsive person?
First, check for responsiveness by calling out to the person and gently shaking them. If the person does not respond, call for help and activate EMS.
What are the steps of CPR?
The steps of CPR are:
- Check for responsiveness
- Call for help
- Position the person on their back
- Open the airway
- Give rescue breaths
- Start chest compressions
What is the recovery position?
The recovery position is a position that helps to keep an unconscious person’s airway open. To place someone in the recovery position, follow these steps:
- Roll the person onto their side
- Bend their bottom leg at the knee and hip
- Place their top arm across their chest
- Tilt their head back slightly
