Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

An injured patron is responsive and bleeding. After summoning EMS and obtaining consent, what is your next care step?

1. Treat the victim for shock by lying them down.

2. Elevate the wound if you can do so without causing further pain.

3. Press firmly against the wound with a sterile dressing and bandage.

4. Let the wound bleed until it stops on its own.

The correct answer is: Press firmly against the wound with a sterile dressing and bandage.

In the scenario presented, the correct choice involves applying direct pressure to the wound with a sterile dressing and bandage. This step is crucial because it helps to control bleeding, which is vital in any case of injury. By pressing firmly against the wound, you are aiming to compress the blood vessels and reduce blood loss. The use of a sterile dressing ensures that you minimize the risk of infection while providing immediate care. Treating a bleeding wound effectively can significantly impact the victim's condition and overall recovery. Other options may involve actions that could delay necessary care or potentially exacerbate the bleeding. For instance, simply lying the victim down or elevating the wound may not provide the needed direct pressure to stop bleeding. Allowing the wound to bleed until it stops on its own is not a safe or appropriate first-response measure in a bleeding situation, as it can lead to further complications. Hence, the prompt application of pressure with a sterile dressing and bandage is the most immediate and effective next step in caring for an injured patron.