Lifeguarding Final study Flashcards
Duty to Act
While on the job, you have a legal responsibility to act in an emergency. Failure to adhere to this duty could result in legal action
Good Samaritan
Protect people against claims of negligence after having provided emergency care in good faith without having accepted anything in return (used to protect rescuers when they are not working, but still act with their standard of care
Standard of Care
You are expected to meet a minimum of Standard of Care. Provide emergency care according to your level of training
Negligence
Lifeguard failed to follow the standard of care ( provided care below their training or above their training) or failed to act at all
Consent
An injured or ill person must give permission before responders can provide first aid and emergency care
Implied consent
the injured person is unconscious or a minor (under the age of 18), the rescuer must help. It is implied that I the injured person were conscious or if there were a guardian present, they would give consent for the rescuer to help
Refusal of Care
some injured or ill people may refuse care, even if they desperately need it. Must be documented!
Abandonment
once care is started, it must be continued until EMS personnel or someone with equal or greater training arrives and takes over
Confidentiality
Lifeguards might learn something about the injured or ill person, such as info about medical conditions, physical problems and medications taken. The person’s privacy is protected by laws
Total Coverage
done by a lifeguard by themselves
Zone Coverage
divides the swimming area into areas that may overlap covered by 2 or more lifeguards
Emergency Back-Up Coverage
needed when the lifeguard in the stand enters the water to make a rescue
A lifeguard’s zone should allow them to recognize and reach a victim withing how long in the furthest and deepest part
30 seconds
Active Victim
Drowning victim struggling to keep mouth above water. Victim cannot call for help, arms pressing down. Victim is vertical in the water with no support kick.
Passive Victim
No defined arm or leg action, no locomotion and no breathing. Can be at the surface, in the middle of at the bottom of the water
