Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

In which scenario should you summon EMS personnel?

1. A victim with a minor cut on the forearm that is lightly bleeding.

2. A victim with an airway obstruction who is forcefully coughing.

3. A victim with intermittent abdominal pressure.

4. A victim with an open leg wound with the bone protruding.

The correct answer is: A victim with an open leg wound with the bone protruding.

Summoning EMS personnel is crucial in situations that indicate a serious medical condition or injury requiring immediate professional intervention. An open leg wound with a protruding bone signifies a severe injury that presents a risk of infection, significant blood loss, and potential complications that can arise from the frayed or exposed tissues. This type of injury is classified as a medical emergency, necessitating the prompt arrival of trained medical professionals who can provide the necessary care, including stabilization of the injury and management of pain and potential for shock. In contrast, a minor cut that is lightly bleeding, a victim with a forcefully coughing airway obstruction who can still breathe, and a case of intermittent abdominal pressure do not warrant immediate EMS intervention. The first scenario involves a manageable injury, the second points to a situation where the victim is maintaining their airway and can likely resolve the obstruction themselves, and the third may suggest a non-urgent condition that could be evaluated later by a medical professional. Each of these situations allows for some period of monitoring or first aid without the immediate need for emergency services.