Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

What is the correct course of action if a victim refuses care?

1. You should insist on providing care.

2. You must respect their decision and document it.

3. Call emergency personnel to insist they receive help.

4. Lifeguards are not permitted to work with refusals.

The correct answer is: You must respect their decision and document it.

When a victim refuses care, it is essential to respect their decision, as individuals have the right to make informed choices about their own health and treatment. Documenting their refusal is critical for legal and professional reasons; this documentation protects both the victim's rights and the lifeguard's responsibilities. It shows that the lifeguard acted in accordance with accepted protocols and allows for accountability if any future issues arise. Insisting on providing care goes against the principle of patient autonomy. It's important to provide information and support, but ultimately, the victim must be allowed to make their own decision. Calling emergency personnel to insist on treatment may violate the victim's rights, as they may not want intervention. Additionally, while lifeguards should be prepared for a range of scenarios, they are still expected to respect patients' choices regarding their own care.