lifeguard review (american red cross)

Lifeguard Review (American Red Cross) primary responsibility of a lifeguard Ans- to prevent drowning and other injuries from occurring at their aquatic center 5 characteristics of lifeguard Ans- 1. knowledge and skilled ble e eous and consistent ive lifeguards should Ans- always be attentive and sit or stand upright when on surveillance duty 5 steps that lifeguard should take when obtaining consent from an injured or ill person before providing first aid or emergency care Ans- 1. state your name 2. state your level of training 3. ask if you can help 4. explain that you would like to assess them to find out what you think may be wrong or what you can do to help 5. explain what you plan to do what is the validity period of an american red cross lifeguarding certification? how does an ARC certified lifeguard get recertified? Ans- -valid for 2 years -additional training may be required to meet the state and local regulations or facility specific policies -to re certify, ARC certified lifeguards w a current certification may participate in a review course -individuals w an expired ARC lifeguard/first aid/AED certification may participate in the full lifeguarding course EAP (stand for) Ans- Emergency Action Plan Personal protective equipment for a lifeguard Ans- -gloves -resuscitation masks -gowns -shields -protective eye wear equipment that should always be worn or carried by lifeguard at all times while on duty Ans- -rescue tube-should be worn at all times when performing patron surveillance. Rescue tubes are capable of keeping multiple victims afloat and they are the primary pierce of equipment used to perform a water rescue. -Hip-packs containing gloves and resuscitation mask should be worn by lifeguards at all times, even when not on surveillance duty, so that equipment is instantly available in an emergency -Resuscitation mask allow lifeguards to breathe air into a victim without making mouth-to-mouth contact. Resuscitation mask should be carried in the Lifeguard's hip pack at all times, even when not on surveillance duty, so that it is available instantly in an emergency. -A Whistle is a signaling device for lifeguards used to activate the facility's EAP and to get attention of other members of the safety team as well as patrons for policy enforcement. Whistles should be loud, made of material that will not rust and have breakaway lanyards. Lifeguards should wear whistles at all times. -Disposable Gloves are used to protect lifeguards that may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). Gloves should be carried in the Lifeguard's hip pack at all times, even when not on surveillance duty, so that they are available instantly in an emergency What safety equipment/items should be easily accessible for a lifeguard while on duty? Ans- - Backboards are a standard piece of equipment used at aquatic facilities to remove victims from the water when they are unable to exit the water on their own or they have a possible head, neck or spinal injury. -Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are used to analyze the hearts rhythm and deliver an electrical shock (when needed) to help re-established an effective heart rhythm. AEDs are used in conjunction with CPR. -First aid kits include supplies used to treat common injuries at aquatic facilities including bleeding and wounds and help stabilize injuries to muscles, bones and joints. -Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) resuscitators are used to ventilate a victim in respiratory arrest or when performing CPR with more than one rescuer. -Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to prevent lifeguards from coming into direct contact with a victim's body fluids. PPE includes gloves, resuscitation masks, gowns, masks, shields and protective eyewear. -Rescue boards (for waterfront facilities) are used as standard equipment at waterfront facilities and are designed to accommodate a lifeguard plus one or more victims. Rescue boards may be used during rescues to quickly paddle out long distances or as a patrolling device for lifeguards as a lifeguard, you are responsible for: Ans- consistently enforcing your facility's rules and regulations common rules and regulations often posted at an aquatic facility Ans- -Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. -Swim diapers are required for small children or people with incontinence. -No swimming with open or infected wounds. -Obey lifeguard instructions at all times. -No running, pushing or rough play. -No hyperventilating before swimming underwater or breath-holding contests. -No sitting or playing near or with drains or suction fittings. -Dive only in designated areas. -No glass containers in the pool area and locker rooms. explain what it means to be "equipped and rescue-ready" Ans- means that you are wearing or carrying the appropriate rescue equipment for your facility and ready to enter the water to perform a rescue three types of swimmers in distress and characteristics of each Ans- 1. distressed swimmer -able to keep face out of water -able to call and wave for help -treading in water -horizontal, vertical or diagonal, depending on what they use to support themselves ing (active) victim -not able to call for help -trying to keep face above water -may be in a horizontal face-down position -has extended the arms to the side or front, pressing down for support -positioned vertically in the water with an ineffective kick; a young child may tip into a horizontal face down position -might continue to struggle underwater once submerged -eventually will lose consciousness and stop moving ing (passive) victim -might float face-down at or near the surface or might sink to the bottom -may be limp or have slight convulsive-type movements -has no defined arm or leg action, no locomotion and no breathing -May appear to be floating, if at the surface of the water -may be face-down, on one side or face-up, if at the bottom lifeguard on duty should be able to recognize and reach a drowning victim within: Ans- 30 seconds The size of a zone should allow for a lifeguard to recognize an emergency, reach the victim, extricate and provide ventilations within _______. explain why Ans- 1 1/2 - 2 mins if you can provide ventilations within 1½ to 2 minutes, you might be able to resuscitate the victim total coverage Ans- you are the only lifeguard on duty (that is watching the pool) zone coverage Ans- the swimming area is divided into separate zones. this happens when there are several guards on duty. why is it important for lifeguard managers to conduct drills to test zones Ans- lifeguard zones should be set up for success. lifeguard must be able to clearly see all the parts of the zone as well as be able to quickly respond in an emergency Voluntary hyperventilation Ans- rapid, deep breathing. dangerous technique used by some swimmers to try to swim long distances underwater or to hold their breath for an extended period while submerged in one place. If you see these you must stop it RID stands for Ans- recognition intrusion distraction 3 major strategies a lifeguard can use to help prevent injuries Ans- 1. communicate with victims ming and educating patrons cing rules why should EAP be facility specific Ans- so all staff know their responisibilities as it relates to the facility. the facilitys layout, # of staff on duty at a time, location of backup guards and other safety members general procedures, in order, for situations involving a water rescue Ans- ate the EAP the water rm an appropriate rescue the victim to a safe exit point e the victim from the water 6. provide emergency care as needed t, advise, and release 2 most common assists and when they should be used Ans- 1. simple assist- shallow water and be merely helping a person to stand. The simple assist also may be used to rescue a victim who is submerged in shallow water and is within reach ing assist from the desk- to assist a distressed swimmer who is close to the side of the pool or a pier, use a reaching assist from the deck by extending a rescue tube within the victims grasp 4 core objectives in an y rescue situations Ans- 1.Ensure the safety of the victim, yourself and others in the vicinity. This includes the entry, approach, rescue, removal and care provided. 2.Use a rescue technique that is appropriate and effective for the situation. 3.Provide an appropriate assessment, always treating life-threatening conditions first. 4.Handle the rescue with a sense of urge actions when you do scene size up Ans- 1. use your senses to check for hazards that could present danger to anyone 2. use appropriate ppe 3. determine #of injured or ill victims mine what caused the illness, look for clues, to what may have caused emergency and how victim became injured/ill 5. form initial impression that may indicate life threatening emergency 6. determine additional resources that may be needed *when you are alone when responding to someone ill* you must decide to call or care first Ans- call first: -any child or adult about 12 years or older that is unresponsive -a child or infant who you witnessed suddenly collapse -an unresponsive child or infant known to have heart probs care first: -unresponsive child who you did not see collapse -any victim suspected of drowning how to tell diff. between adult, child, infant Ans- adult: puberty and older child: 1 year to puberty infant: up to 1 year respiratory distress Ans- a condition in which breathing becomes difficult respiratory arrest Ans- a condition in which breathing stops possible causes of respiratory disease Ans- -partially obstructed airway -Illness -Chronic conditions, such as asthma and emphysema -Congestive heart failure -Electrocution, including lightning strikes -Heart attack -Injury to the head, chest, lungs or abdomen -Allergic reactions -Drug overdose -Poisoning -Emotional distress -Anaphylactic shock possible causes of respiratory arrest Ans- -Drowning -Obstructed airway (choking) -Injury to the head, chest, lungs or abdomen -Illness, such as pneumonia -Respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma -Congestive heart failure -Heart attack -Coronary heart disease (such as angina) -Allergic reactions (food or insect stings) Electrocution, including lightning strikes -Shock -Poisoning -Drug overdose -Emotional distress when checking to see if someone is breathing Ans- -see if their chest rises and falls -check for breathing and a pulse simultaneously -listen and feel for air against the side of your face normal breathing rate for a adult is between ___ and ___ breathes per minute Ans- 12 and 20 lifeguards objective when caring for a drowning victim who is not breathing Ans- to get the victims mouth and nose out of the water, open the airway and give ventilations asap adult that is not breathing, but has definite pulse, give ventilations: Ans- 1 every 5 to 6 seconds child who is not breathing, but has definite pulse, give ventilations: Ans- 1 every 3 seconds what to do if you're giving ventilations and victims chest does not rise after 1st breath Ans- reopen the airway, make a seal and try a second breath If breath is not successful, move to compressions and check the airway for an obstruction before attempting subsequent ventilations. If an obstruction is found, remove it and attempt ventilations. never perform a blind finger sweep appropriate care for a conscious person with an airway obstruction (choking) Ans- -get consent; if child, get consent from parent/guardian -perform combination of 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts -if the victim cannot cough, speak or breathe, activate the EAP and have someone summon EMS. a conscious choking becomes unresponsive... what do you do Ans- -Carefully lower the victim to a firm, flat surface. -Send someone to get an AED, and summon additional resources if appropriate and you have not already done so. -immediately begin CPR with chest compressions cardiac chain of survival for adults Ans- 1. recognize the emergency and call 911 2. early CPR 3. early defibrillation 4. advanced life support rated post cardiac arrest care each minute CPR and defibrillation are delayed, the victims chance of survival is reduced by about Ans10% what do you do if you think someone is having a heart attack Ans- -take immediate action and summon EMS personnel -Have the victim stop any activity and rest in a comfortable position -Loosen tight or uncomfortable clothing -Closely monitor the victim until EMS personnel take over -Note any changes in the victim's appearance or behavior -Comfort the victim. -Be prepared to perform CPR and use an AED signs of cardiac arrest Ans- -sudden collapse -no pulse -unresponsiveness objective of CPR Ans- to perform a combination of effective chest compressions and ventilations to circulate blood that contains oxygen to the victim's brain and other vital organs compressions given at the correct rate are at least ____ per min. to a max. of ____ per min. Ans100/120 appropriate compression depth when providing CPR on an adult Ans- at least 2 inches but not more than 2.4 when providing 2 person CPR, when should rescuers change positions Ans- -at least every 2 mins -after 5 cycles of 30 compressions and 2 ventilations -during the analysis of the AED you arrive to the scene when another lifeguard is performing CPR, what should you do first Ans- you should confirm that EMS personnel have been summoned If EMS personnel have not been summoned, do so before getting the AED or assisting with care. when performing 2 person CPR on infant- how do lifeguards modify: compression to ventilation ratio: the compression technique: Ans- -Change from 30:2 to 15:2 This provides more frequent ventilations for infants. -Use the encircling thumbs technique why should a lifeguard stop cpr Ans- -obvious sign of life -AED is ready to analyze the victim's heart rhythm -Other trained responders, such as a member of your safety team or EMS personnel, take over and relieve you from compression and ventilation responsibilities -You are presented with a valid do not resuscitate (DNR) order -You are alone and too exhausted to continue -The scene becomes unsafe. can you use a AED on a pregnant victim Ans- YES because the mothers survival is important for the infants survival SAMPLE Ans- S- signs and syptoms A- allergies M-medications P-pertinent past medical history L-last oral intake E- events leading up to the incident symptoms of sudden illnesses Ans- -Changes in LOC, such as feeling light-headed, dizzy or becoming unconscious -Nausea or vomiting -Difficulty speaking or slurred speech -Numbness or weakness -Loss of vision or blurred vision -Changes in breathing; the person may have trouble breathing or may not be breathing normally -Changes in skin color (pale, ashen or flushed skin) -Sweating -persistent pressure or pain -Diarrhea -Paralysis or an inability to move -severe headache general precautions for injury or sudden illness on land Ans- for any life threatening conditions first 2.Monitor the victim's condition and watch for changes in LOC 3.Keep the victim comfortable and reassure them. 4.Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated 5.Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink unless the victim is awake, able to swallow and follow simple commands and intake is indicated based on the treatment recommendations for any other problems that may develop how to care for a victim experiencing a diabetic emergency Ans- If it is available, give 15 to 20 grams of sugar in the form of glucose tablets to the victim If not available, 15 to 20 grams of sugar from several sources can be given: gluco