American Lifeguard Practice Exam

The correct course of action in this situation is to check the victim for consciousness. This step is crucial because verifying whether the child is indeed unconscious helps determine the appropriate next steps in providing care. Checking responsiveness can involve gently shaking the person or asking loudly if they can hear you. If the individual is unresponsive, it escalates the urgency of the situation and directs you to call for immediate medical assistance and potentially initiate CPR if necessary. Ensuring the child is truly unconscious before proceeding is vital, as it helps you avoid unnecessary intervention if they are still responsive. After assessing consciousness, if they are found to be unresponsive, calling for medical help becomes the next priority, and CPR can then follow if the child is not breathing or lacks a pulse. Understanding the sequence of these actions allows for a more effective and organized emergency response.