American Lifeguard Practice Exam

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Study for the American Lifeguard Exam. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare to save lives!

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Why is it important to start CPR right away in an unresponsive victim?

To begin assessing possible underlying conditions.
CPR helps circulate blood that contains oxygen to the vital organs.
To encourage the victim to regain consciousness.
To prepare for the arrival of emergency personnel.

The correct answer is: CPR helps circulate blood that contains oxygen to the vital organs.

Initiating CPR immediately in an unresponsive victim is crucial because it helps circulate blood that contains oxygen to vital organs. When a person stops breathing or their heart ceases to beat, the body begins to suffer from a lack of oxygen. This oxygen deprivation can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and other organs within minutes. By performing CPR, you are artificially maintaining blood circulation and delivering oxygen to essential organs, such as the brain and heart, thereby increasing the chances of survival and minimizing long-term injury. While assessing conditions or preparing for emergency personnel can be important in a broader rescue scenario, the immediate focus and priority in an unresponsive victim are to ensure that oxygenated blood is still being circulated to the body's vital systems.