Section 2 - Element 1

Question 1

Identifying an emergency

give five subtle indicators to an emergency

Answer 1

• a member of public looking into the pool with a concerned expression on their face - they may be looking at someone in difficulty
• customer - excuse me are they alright?
• a swimmer floating in the water
• a swimmer at the side of the pool resting their head on their arms.
• a swimmer behaving in an unusual way.

Question 2

Identifying an emergency

give four more obvious indicators to an emergency

Answer 2

• shout for help
• swimmer struggling in the water
• swimmer on the bottom of the pool
• bleeding casualty

Question 3

what is responsive casualty?

Answer 3

a casualty - that may be able to help themselves.

Responsive casualties may be able to shout for help, follow lifeguard instruction and help themselves.

Question 4

what is unresponsive casualty?

Answer 4

a casualty - that can`t help themselves
unable to help themselves.

Unresponsive casualty - will not be able to respond to lifeguard instructions, help themselves or aid in their own rescue.

Question 5

Give five examples of unresponsive swimmers

Answer 5

• panicking casualty
• non swimmer
• injured swimmer
• serious medical emergency
• unconscious casualty.

Question 6

Give examples (4) of minor injury emergencies that could occur.

Answer 6

cramp,
bleeds (including nose bleed),
strained muscle,
dislocation.

Question 7

Give examples of (serious) medical emergencies.

Answer 7

• asthma attack, (muscles of the air passages go into spasm and narrow the airway, causes shortness of breath and wheezing)
• heart attack, (no blood to the heart itself)
• stroke, (blood clot in the brain or ruptured blood vessel, causes pressure on the brain
• seizure. (when normal brain activity is suddenly disrupted)

Question 8

Why is it important for lifeguards to enter the water with a torpedo buoy?

Answer 8

It is importat because the use of torpedo buoy reduces the likelyhood of needeing to use an escape from a casualty`s grasp. Which is safer for both.

Question 9

What is a defensive block

Answer 9

using the torpedo buoy to block the casualty from grabbing hold of you. This helps to calm them down and ensures your own safety.

Question 10

What are the principles (steps) for an escape from a casualty

Answer 10

• hold your breath
• tuck your chin, protect your throat
• allow yourself to submerge
• if the casualty does not let go, push against their body with your arms or legs,
• release their grip, move to a safe distance.
• assess the situation and rescue appropriately using team support.