Red Cross Lifeguarding Written Exam key terms

The order of rescue methods to try, from safest to most dangerous. Extend something to the victim first, then throw a float, then use a boat, and enter the water only as a last resort.

A person in the water who is conscious and struggling, often unable to call for help or keep their head above the surface. They may grab and climb on a rescuer, so approach with caution.

A person in the water who is unconscious or unresponsive and cannot help themselves. They may float face down or sink, and usually require the rescuer to enter the water and bring them to the surface.

A long foam flotation device with a tow line and shoulder strap used by lifeguards. It keeps the rescuer and victim afloat and lets the rescuer tow the victim to safety.

A technique for moving a victim through the water by placing them on the rescue tube and pulling the attached strap while swimming. The rescuer keeps the victim's head above water and watches them constantly.

A feet-first entry from a height into shallow water. The lifeguard steps off the edge, keeps legs together, and holds the rescue tube across the chest to avoid hitting the bottom.

A feet-first entry used from a low height into water at least five feet deep. The lifeguard steps out, keeps the legs apart and the body upright, and holds the rescue tube to stay oriented.

A technique for holding a suspected spinal injury victim's head in line with the body while in the water. The rescuer grips the victim's head at the sides and keeps it steady until help arrives.

Steps taken to keep a person's head, neck, and spine from moving after a suspected injury. It includes holding the head steady, minimizing movement, and using a backboard when moving the victim is necessary.

A rigid board used to move a suspected spinal injury victim out of the water while keeping the head and body in line. The victim is secured to it before being lifted and carried.

The lifeguard's continuous visual sweep of the assigned zone to spot hazards and distressed swimmers. The head and eyes move in a pattern that covers the whole area at least every 10 seconds.

The specific area of water and deck a lifeguard is assigned to watch. The guard must know its boundaries, hazards, and blind spots and stay focused on it while on duty.

A guideline for lifeguard surveillance: recognize a problem within about 10 seconds and reach the victim within about 20 seconds. It helps guards act fast enough to prevent drowning.

A written, practiced plan that tells staff exactly what to do in an emergency, including who rescues, who calls 911, and who controls the crowd. Everyone should know their role before an incident happens.

Any rescue performed in or on the water, using reaching, throwing, rowing, or swimming techniques. The goal is to remove the victim from danger safely while protecting the rescuer.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, given to a person whose heart or breathing has stopped. It circulates blood to the brain and heart until advanced help arrives.

The speed at which chest compressions are given, which for adults, children, and infants is about 100 to 120 per minute. A steady, even tempo helps blood keep flowing.

How far the chest is pushed down during CPR. For adults it is at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches; for children about 2 inches; for infants about 1.5 inches.

A breath given to a victim who is not breathing, using a barrier device or bag-valve mask. It delivers oxygen to the lungs and is paired with chest compressions during CPR.

Giving breaths to a victim who is not breathing but still has a pulse. It is done without chest compressions, at a rate of about one breath every 6 seconds.

A handheld device with a squeeze bag and face mask used to give breaths to a nonbreathing victim. It lets a rescuer deliver air without mouth-to-mouth contact and can be used by one or two rescuers.

Automated external defibrillator: a portable device that checks the heart's rhythm and can deliver a shock to restore a normal beat. It is used as soon as it is available during CPR.

An electric shock delivered through the chest to stop a dangerous heart rhythm and let the heart's normal pacemaker take over. It works best when given within minutes of collapse.

Sticky electrode pads placed on the victim's bare chest that let the AED read the heart rhythm and send a shock. One goes on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side.

Immediate care given to a sick or injured person before professional help arrives. It aims to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery.

Lying a person on their side with the head tilted back and the airway open. It is used for someone who is breathing but unresponsive, so vomit or the tongue cannot block the airway.

A life-threatening condition in which the body's organs do not get enough blood flow. Signs include pale, cool, clammy skin, rapid pulse, and confusion; keep the person warm and still.

A first aid method for sprains and strains: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It reduces swelling and pain and is used for soft-tissue injuries.

Blood loss that is heavy or cannot be controlled by minor pressure. It is treated by pressing firmly on the wound, adding dressings, and calling 911 right away.

A severe, sudden allergic reaction that can close the airway and drop blood pressure. Signs include trouble breathing, swelling, and hives; an epinephrine auto-injector and 911 are needed.

A heat illness with heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and cool, clammy skin. Move the person to a cool place, loosen clothing, and give fluids if they are alert and able to swallow.

A life-threatening heat illness with hot skin, confusion, and a very high body temperature. Cool the person quickly and call 911; do not give fluids to someone who is not fully alert.

A brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, with signs like headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea. Remove the person from play and get medical evaluation.

Permission from a conscious, responsive person before you give care. For an unresponsive person, the law assumes consent so you can act without delay.

Steps that protect rescuers from bloodborne germs, such as wearing gloves and using a barrier device for breaths. They are used with every victim, because you cannot tell who is infected.

A swimmer who is still breathing and able to call for help but is struggling to stay afloat or reach safety. They may be tired, panicked, or caught in a current and need quick assistance.