Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

If a victim is having a seizure in the water, what should you do?

1. Support the victim with their head above water until the seizure ends.

2. Immediately get them out of the water.

3. Move the victim to shallow water until the seizure ends.

4. Secure the victim onto a backboard.

The correct answer is: Support the victim with their head above water until the seizure ends.

Supporting the victim with their head above water until the seizure ends is the correct action to take if someone is having a seizure in the water. This approach ensures the safety and well-being of the person experiencing the seizure by keeping their airway clear and preventing drowning. During a seizure, the victim may have involuntary muscle movements and be unable to control their breathing. By providing support, the lifeguard can help maintain their position above the water and prevent them from submerging. Immediately removing the victim from the water can be risky, as they may still be in the process of seizing, which could lead to injury or complicate the situation. Moving the victim to shallow water could also be hazardous; the primary focus should be on ensuring they remain afloat rather than changing their environment during a medical emergency. Securing the victim onto a backboard is generally more appropriate for spinal injuries and not a necessary step during a seizure, especially when immediate support in the water is critical. Providing supportive care by keeping the victim's head above water is essential for maintaining safety and enabling an effective response to their medical needs.