Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

When providing care to an injured responsive victim, what is the first action you should take?

1. Ask the victim what happened when they fell.

2. Obtain consent from the victim to provide care.

3. Check the victim's pulse.

4. Question the victim about any complaints of pain.

The correct answer is: Obtain consent from the victim to provide care.

The first action to take when providing care to an injured responsive victim is to obtain consent from the victim to provide care. Consent is a fundamental principle in emergency response and healthcare practice. Even if the individual is responsive, it is essential to ensure that they are willing to receive your help. This respect for personal autonomy is crucial, as it establishes trust and communication between the caregiver and the victim. Obtaining consent also serves to protect both the rescuer and the victim legally, as providing care without consent could lead to accusations of assault or battery. Once consent is obtained, the rescuer can proceed to assess the situation more fully and provide appropriate care based on the victim’s condition. While it is important to gather information about what happened or ask about pain complaints, these steps come after obtaining consent. Checking the victim's pulse may be necessary in a different context, such as when assessing for responsiveness after ensuring the victim agrees to receive help.