Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

During a swim meet, several people appear injured after the bleachers collapse. Who should you approach first?

1. A parent holding a crying infant.

2. A victim who appears unconscious.

3. A victim who is bleeding lightly from an injury on the leg.

4. A child holding their arm, which appears to be injured.

The correct answer is: A victim who appears unconscious.

Approaching a victim who appears unconscious should be the priority in this scenario due to the potential life-threatening nature of their condition. Unconsciousness can indicate a severe injury or medical emergency, such as a concussion, traumatic brain injury, or other critical factors that require immediate attention. Responsible lifeguarding and emergency response involve assessing the most urgent threats to life first. While the other individuals may also be injured and in need of assistance, the unconscious victim represents an immediate risk that could necessitate rapid interventions to secure their airway, provide rescue breaths, or perform CPR if required. In emergencies, maintaining focus on the most serious situations ensures that help is prioritized effectively and that resources are allocated to where they can be most impactful. This approach aligns with standard emergency response protocols, which emphasize addressing life-threatening conditions first.