American Lifeguard Practice Exam

What is the appropriate action when a child with severe asthma collapses and does not have their inhaler?

1. Administer CPR immediately

2. Activate your EAP and call 911

3. Provide them with water to drink

4. Wait for the mother to return with the inhaler

The correct answer is: Activate your EAP and call 911

When a child with severe asthma collapses and does not have their inhaler, activating the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and calling 911 is the appropriate action to take. This response is crucial because asthma attacks can rapidly become life-threatening, and professional medical assistance is essential. By calling emergency services, you ensure that trained medical personnel are on their way to provide the necessary treatment, which may include oxygen or other medications that can open the airways. In this situation, immediate intervention is critical, as waiting for a parent or guardian to return with the inhaler does not guarantee the child's safety and could lead to serious complications, including respiratory failure. Additionally, administering CPR would only be appropriate if the child were unresponsive and not breathing. Providing water could potentially worsen the situation if the child is experiencing difficulty breathing. Thus, the urgency of the medical emergency necessitates action that prioritizes immediate professional help.