Single-Guard Adaptation
To manage an emergancy when you are the only lifeguard on duty, you must adapt your procedures to use these 2 groups of people for help
Auxiliary staff and bystanders
In your alert book, this whistle signal is used to get the attendtion of other guards or to alert them to a minor emergency
2 short whistle blasts
This responder is primarily responsible for the initial support and the primary assessment of the victim
The initial or first lifeguard
This is the primary reason why emergency procedures need to be written down in a staff manual rather than just discussed
to ensure a consistent, controlled and orderly response or to reduce decision making stress
When a lone guard enters the water for a rescue, the first thing they do to ensure the saftey of other patrons is
Clear the pool (get patrons to exit the pool)
This hand (flutter board) signal, held horizontally over the head, indicated what
ok or no further help is needed
This lifeguards role is to back up the first responder, provide equipment, and assist with the remval of the victim from the water when necessary
The second lifeguard
A written plan must include location of this, which might include spineboards, pocket masks, first aid kits, etc
Emergency equipment
In a facility with only 1 guard, an auxillary staff member (like a front desk clerk) is often assigned what specific task during a major emergency
Activate ems and/or meet the ambulance
when calling EMS, what is the most important rule to follow before ending the conversation with the dispatcher
Don't hang up until they do
This "bridge" between simulation and real-life emergencies allows an inexperienced lifeguard to work side-by-side with a more experienced guard
apprenticeship
This process must occur after every practice or actual emergency to ensure the written procedures are still effective
Evaluation and revision