American Lifeguard Practice Exam

When should lifeguards stop providing care to a victim?

1. When the victim expresses discomfort

2. When EMS personnel arrive and take over

3. When the victim becomes unconscious

4. After 10 minutes of unsuccessful resuscitation

The correct answer is: When EMS personnel arrive and take over

Lifeguards should stop providing care to a victim when Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel arrive and take over. This is crucial because EMTs and paramedics are trained medical professionals equipped with advanced skills and resources to handle emergencies. They can take over the victim's care, ensuring that the necessary medical protocols are followed. Additionally, lifeguards have a responsibility to manage their own safety and the safety of other patrons at the facility, which includes transferring care to professionals who can provide the needed medical interventions. The other scenarios do not dictate a clear end to care. For instance, a victim expressing discomfort does not signify that care should cease; rather, it highlights the need for reassurance and possibly adjusting care to better suit the victim's comfort. Similarly, while a victim becoming unconscious is a critical situation requiring immediate action, it does not mean the lifeguard can stop providing care until there is a transfer to EMS. Lastly, the time frame of 10 minutes of unsuccessful resuscitation is not a predetermined cutoff; the decision to continue or stop resuscitation should be based on the condition of the victim and the arrival of professional medical help, not solely on a time limit.