Complex Medical Emergencies
A diabetic person is awake, able to swallow and showing signs of low blood sugar. What may help?
An appropriate fast-acting sugar source.
A choking person can still cough forcefully. What should you do?
Encourage coughing and monitor.
A person begins having a seizure on the pool deck. Should you restrain their movements or move nearby objects and let the seizure run its course?
Move nearby objects to prevent injury, monitor the person and do not restrain them.
True or false: A BVM can only deliver ventilations when connected to supplemental oxygen.
False. A BVM can be used with or without supplemental oxygen.
What are common signs and symptoms of a stroke?
Slurred speech, facial drooping typically on one side
A patron experiences a seizure in the pool. What should happen?
Activate EAP, perform an appropriate rescue, remove the person and provide emergency care; summon EMS.
What signs suggest a severely obstructed airway?
Inability to speak, cry or cough, or only high-pitched sounds.
While waiting for EMS, how long should you cool a thermal burn under clean, cool running water according to the exam?
5- 20 minutes
What two mistakes involving ventilation volume or technique should rescuers avoid?
Delivering excessive air volume and squeezing the bag too forcefully or rapidly.
A person has a dry chemical burn on their hand. What should happen before flushing?
Brush away the dry chemical using an appropriate object while avoiding exposure.
A patron has stroke symptoms that resolve after several minutes. Should EMS still be contacted?
yes
Where should a fist be placed for abdominal thrusts?
Just above the navel.
What two interventions does the exam identify for controlling life-threatening bleeding from an adult's leg?
Firm, continuous direct pressure and a tourniquet.
A rescued swimmer needs ventilations. Supplemental oxygen is available, but the lifeguard has not been trained or authorized to administer it. What should the lifeguard do?
Continue indicated resuscitation care using equipment they are trained to operate, activate the EAP and have an appropriately trained responder manage supplemental oxygen according to facility protocols.
What should you do if someone is having a heart attack, after calling 911?
Help them rest comfortably and offer aspirin as appropriate under training guidance
A person has suspected opioid overdose and is unresponsive without normal breathing. What interventions are needed?
EMS activation, CPR/AED as indicated, and naloxone without delaying resuscitation
How should an infant be positioned for choking back blows?
Face-down on a supported forearm/thigh with the head lower than the body.
An adult shows signs of a heart attack. After calling 911, what two care steps does the exam identify?
Offer aspirin when appropriate and help the person rest in a comfortable position.
A conscious patron is breathing on their own but needs supplemental oxygen. How should a trained lifeguard administer it using a non-rebreather mask?
Connect the mask to the oxygen source, set the appropriate flow rate (typically 10–15 L/min), inflate the reservoir bag before placing the mask, position it over the nose and mouth, adjust the fit, and monitor the patron's breathing and reservoir bag.
What should you use to cool a thermal burn while waiting for EMS?
Clean, cool running water for 5–20 minutes
A person with a suspected spinal injury is unresponsive, has a pulse and is not breathing. What must rescuers prioritize?
Airway management, ventilations, rapid extrication as needed and continued assessment
An unresponsive, choking person has a visible object in the mouth during CPR. What should the rescuer do?
Remove the visible object carefully with a finger sweep; do not perform blind finger sweeps.
A person has suspected shock. After calling 911, identify the two care actions listed in the exam.
Have the person rest on their back or in the recovery position as appropriate, and maintain their body temperature.
Before administering supplemental oxygen, what steps should a trained lifeguard take to prepare the oxygen equipment?
Check the cylinder pressure and equipment, attach the regulator and appropriate delivery device, open the cylinder valve, set the prescribed flow rate according to training and manufacturer instructions, and check that oxygen is flowing before applying the device.
What do you use antibiotic ointment for vs. hydrocortisone ointment?
Antibiotic ointment is used on minor cuts and scrapes
Hydrocortisone ointment is used on bee stings, allergic reactions, and bug bites