Acronyms and Mnemonics for Lifeguarding

AFR

Accidental Fecal Release

AED

Automated External Defibrillator

AVPU

Alert, Verbal, Painful, Unresponsive

BVM

Bag Valve Mask

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

EAP

Emergency Action Plan

EMS

Emergency Medical Services

EMT

Emergency Medical Technician

FAST

Face, Arm, Speech, Time

FIND

Figure, Identify, Name, Decide

LOC

Level of Consciousness

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment

RICE

Rest, Immobilization, Cold, Elevation

RID

Recognition, Intrusion, Distraction

SAMPLE

Signs and Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past Medical History, Last Oral Intake, Events leading up to the incident

SDS

Safety Data Sheet

RAR

Report, Advise, Release

DNR

Do Not Resuscitate

WCS

Water Competency Sequence (swim test)

ROSC

Return of Spontaneous Circulation

Where should you place the AED on a victim?

Upper right chest, lower left side

How should the BVM be used?

With two people

How should you perform CPR for adults and children? For infants? If there are two people alternating?

For adults and children, you should do 30 compressions, then 2 breaths through a BVM or mouth mask. For infants, do 30 compressions then 2 breaths through a BVM or mouth mask (keep in mind that a non-infant sized mask should be upside down!!). If you are performing CPR while alternating with another person, then do 15 compressions, then 2 breaths.

How often should you alternate while performing CPR?

Every two minutes

What is the personal protective equipment needed if you are dealing with bodily fluids?

Gloves, gowns, face-shields, masks, eyewear (goggles), breathing barrier

If there is an active drowning victim and he/she is facing towards you, what should you do?

If they are in shallow water or in a crowded area, use the slide in technique to get into the pool, then quickly swim towards the person. When you are directly in front of them, thrust the tube into their chest, then swim forwards, reassuring the victim. If they are in deep water/a non-crowded deep pool area, use the compact jump/stride jump to enter the pool, making sure you do not submerge, then quickly swim towards the victim, and do the exact same thing.

If there is an active drowning victim and he/she is facing away from you, what should you do?

Again, use the stride jump/compact jump/or slide in method depending on the environment, quickly swim towards them, then, while reassuring them and soothing them BEFORE rescuing them, scoop up their arms with yours, hooking them, then swim backwards, asking the victim for help to kick, if necessary.

What should you do during the passive-rapid extrication?

Put the person in a near horizontal position when on the board

How fast should you remove a victim from the water?

1 ½ to 2 minutes to remove the person from the water and begin ventilations; this is important because you make be able to resuscitate them without them going unconscious.

What is a lifeguard’s primary job?

Conducting surveillance, and preventing any life threatening situations.

What should a lifeguard do while conducting surveillance?

The lifeguard should always be searching (which is deliberate), instead of watching, because just watching can cause you to easily miss something, such as a small child drowning.

What is the difference between searching and watching?

Searching is deliberate, active, and proactive, whereas watching is passive and reactive

What should the 2nd rescuer do as soon as he/she arrives with the AED?

Ask if 911 has been called; if not, immediately do so, then activate the AED and help with CPR.

Which pulse should you check in an adult? In an infant?

A carotid pulse for an adult, and a brachial pulse for an infant.

How should you perform compressions on an infant?

Use the encircling thumbs technique.