Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

Your initial impression of a victim is based on what?

1. The victim's initial vital signs.

2. How the victim appears to you as you size up the scene.

3. The victim's SAMPLE history.

4. What you have been told about the victim.

The correct answer is: How the victim appears to you as you size up the scene.

The initial impression of a victim is fundamentally based on how the victim appears to you as you size up the scene. This assessment involves observing the victim's general condition and any visible signs of distress, injury, or illness. Your first visual and situational analysis—taking into account the environment, the victim's posture, responsiveness, and any immediate hazards—provides crucial information that guides your next steps in a lifesaving situation. The initial impression allows you to prioritize care and determine the nature of the emergency. This assessment might reveal whether the victim requires urgent attention or if it is safe to conduct further evaluations, such as checking vital signs or gathering a medical history. Overall, the observations made during this sizing up process are critical for understanding the context of the emergency and formulating an appropriate response.