When should lifeguards use CPR?

When should lifeguards use CPR?

• A. Only if the victim is unconscious
• B. When the victim is not breathing or has no pulse
• C. As a precautionary measure for any rescue
• D. Only during documented emergency drills

Answer: (B)

CPR is used when a person’s heart isn’t delivering blood to the brain and other vital organs, meaning there is no effective circulation and/or they aren’t breathing. When a victim is not breathing or has no pulse, starting CPR immediately provides artificial circulation and oxygen delivery, buying time until help arrives or an AED can be used. This isn’t something you do simply because someone is unconscious; you must determine that there is no breathing or no pulse. It also isn’t a precautionary step for every rescue, and it isn’t reserved only for drills—it's the action taken in real cardiac-arrest emergencies. If an AED is available, apply it as soon as CPR has begun and follow its prompts.

CPR is used when a person’s heart isn’t delivering blood to the brain and other vital organs, meaning there is no effective circulation and/or they aren’t breathing. When a victim is not breathing or has no pulse, starting CPR immediately provides artificial circulation and oxygen delivery, buying time until help arrives or an AED can be used. This isn’t something you do simply because someone is unconscious; you must determine that there is no breathing or no pulse. It also isn’t a precautionary step for every rescue, and it isn’t reserved only for drills—it's the action taken in real cardiac-arrest emergencies. If an AED is available, apply it as soon as CPR has begun and follow its prompts.