American Lifeguard Practice Exam

What type of injury requires immediate first aid treatment?

1. A scraped knee

2. A bleeding lip

3. An unconscious victim

4. A sprained ankle

The correct answer is: An unconscious victim

An unconscious victim requires immediate first aid treatment because unconsciousness can indicate a serious underlying medical condition or injury, such as a head injury or stroke, that may lead to life-threatening complications. Immediate actions are crucial to ensure the victim's airway is clear and to assess their breathing and circulation. If no response is present, it’s essential to activate emergency medical services and begin appropriate resuscitation measures, such as CPR if necessary. In contrast, while injuries such as a scraped knee, a bleeding lip, or a sprained ankle may require attention and care, they do not present the same immediate risk to life as unconsciousness does. These injuries can generally be addressed after ensuring that no immediate life-threatening conditions exist.