Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

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Get ready for the Red Cross Lifeguard Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

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Practice this question and more.

When providing care to a victim suspected of having a heart attack, what is the first action you should take?

Summon EMS personnel.
Loosen any tight clothing.
Monitor the victim's appearance.
Provide comfort to the victim.

The correct answer is: Summon EMS personnel.

The first action to take when providing care to a victim suspected of having a heart attack is to summon EMS personnel. This step is crucial because a heart attack can be life-threatening, and immediate medical attention is often necessary to reduce the risk of serious complications, including death. Calling for emergency medical services ensures that trained healthcare professionals are dispatched to the scene quickly, allowing for advanced care to be administered as soon as possible. While other actions, such as loosening tight clothing, monitoring the victim’s appearance, or providing comfort, are important and can be carried out afterward, they do not take precedence over ensuring that professional medical help is on the way. Immediate intervention by EMS can significantly impact the outcome for the victim, making this step the highest priority in the situation.