You and another lifeguard find an unresponsive adult on the locker room floor. the other lifeguard goes to summon ems personnel. you form an initial impression, complete

General
1

you and another lifeguard find an unresponsive adult on the locker room floor. the other lifeguard goes to summon ems personnel. you form an initial impression, complete a primary assessment and find that the victim has a pulse but is not breathing. which of the following should you do next?

2

LectureNotes said you and another lifeguard find an unresponsive adult on the locker room floor. the other lifeguard goes to summon EMS personnel. you form an initial impression, complete a primary assessment and find that the victim has a pulse but is not breathing. which of the following should you do next?

Answer:
In this scenario, after determining that the victim has a pulse but is not breathing, the next step you should take is to provide rescue breaths. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should do:

  1. Open the Airway:

    • Use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open the victim’s airway. If you suspect a spinal injury, use the jaw-thrust maneuver without tilting the head.

  2. Provide Rescue Breaths:

    • Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds for an adult. Ensure each breath lasts about 1 second and makes the chest rise visibly.
    • Continue providing rescue breaths at this rate (approximately 10-12 breaths per minute).

  3. Monitor the Victim:

    • Regularly check for signs of life and recheck the pulse every 2 minutes.
    • If the victim starts breathing on their own, place them in the recovery position and continue to monitor their condition until EMS personnel arrive.

  4. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if Available:

    • If the victim becomes unresponsive and loses their pulse, immediately begin CPR and use an AED as soon as it is available.

Note: The primary goal in this situation is to ensure that oxygen continues to reach the victim’s vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until advanced medical help arrives. Rescue breathing helps maintain oxygenation when the victim is not breathing but still has a pulse.

By following these steps, you can significantly increase the chances of survival and recovery for the unresponsive adult.