Red Cross Lifeguarding Written Exam flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

RID factor

A framework naming Recreation, Instruction, and Distraction as the three causes of lifeguard inattention that most often precede drowning incidents.

10/20 protection rule

A scanning standard requiring the lifeguard to survey the entire assigned zone every 10 seconds and be able to reach any point in that zone within 20 seconds.

Instinctive drowning response

The involuntary behavior of a drowning person: vertical posture, head tilted back, arms pressing downward at the surface, and no ability to call out or wave.

Active drowning victim

A person struggling at the surface with no forward progress and no ability to signal; immediate rescue is required because the struggle lasts only seconds to a minute.

Passive drowning victim

An unresponsive or near-unresponsive person floating at or below the surface; treated as a suspected spinal injury and removed with in-line stabilization.

Front rescue approach

A rescue technique used when a conscious victim faces the guard; the guard approaches from the front and controls the victim before towing to safety.

Rear rescue approach

A rescue technique used when the victim faces away or is combative; the guard approaches from behind and secures the victim before towing.

Emergency action plan

A written, rehearsed procedure assigning roles for recognition, rescue, EMS activation, crowd control, and aftercare during an aquatic emergency.

Spinal motion restriction

In-water stabilization of the head and neck in line with the body, followed by securing the victim to a backboard with at least two rescuers.

Adult CPR rate

Compressions delivered at 100 to 120 per minute with a depth of at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches for an adult victim.

Adult compression ratio

A 30:2 ratio of compressions to ventilations for adult CPR, used whether one or two rescuers are present.

Pediatric two-rescuer ratio

A 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio used for child and infant CPR when two rescuers are available.

Drowning victim first steps

For an unresponsive drowning victim, open the airway and give 2 rescue breaths before starting compressions, because hypoxia drives the arrest.

Infant compression depth

About 1.5 inches (4 cm) of chest depth, delivered with two fingers or the two-thumb encircling technique just below the nipple line.

Rescue breathing rate

One breath every 5 to 6 seconds for an adult and one breath every 3 to 5 seconds for a child or infant with a pulse.

Full chest recoil

Allowing the chest to return to its normal position between compressions so blood can refill the heart, improving CPR effectiveness.

Pulse and breathing check

Simultaneously checking for normal breathing and a pulse for no more than 10 seconds before deciding to begin CPR.

Compressor rotation

Switching the person performing compressions about every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue and maintain adequate compression depth and rate.

AED pad placement

Adult anterior-lateral placement: one pad below the right clavicle and the other on the left side of the chest below the armpit.

Clear before shock

Verbally and visually confirming that no one is touching the victim or stretcher before pressing the shock button on an AED.

AED and water

An AED must not be used in standing water; remove the victim from water and dry the chest before applying pads.

Pediatric AED use

Use pediatric pads or an attenuator for children under 8 years or about 55 pounds; if unavailable, use adult pads.

Implanted device precaution

Do not place an AED pad directly over an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator; keep pads at least 1 inch from the device.

Shockable rhythms

Rhythms for which an AED advises a shock: ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia; other rhythms receive a no-shock prompt.

Post-shock action

Immediately resume chest compressions after the shock or after a no-shock prompt, continuing until signs of life or EMS takes over.

Severe bleeding control

Apply firm direct pressure with a dressing, add layers if bleeding continues, and use a tourniquet only if direct pressure fails on an extremity.

Signs of shock

Pale or cool clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, rapid breathing, restlessness, and thirst; keep the victim lying down and warm.

Heat stroke recognition

Hot skin with altered mental status after heat exposure; requires immediate cooling and EMS activation, unlike heat exhaustion.

Anaphylaxis response

Hives, facial or throat swelling, and difficulty breathing; help the victim use a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector and call EMS.

Conscious adult choking

Give back blows and abdominal thrusts to a conscious choking adult; for an infant, use back blows and chest thrusts instead.

Splinting a fracture

Immobilize the injury in the position found and check circulation, sensation, and movement beyond the injury before and after splinting.