Written Lifeguarding Practice Test 2025 - Free Lifeguard Practice Questions and Study Guide

A lifeguard should activate Emergency Medical Services whenever there is a serious injury or life-threatening situation because quick access to professional medical help can significantly improve the outcome for the victim. This includes circumstances such as drowning, unresponsive individuals, severe bleeding, head or spinal injuries, or any other condition that indicates the victim requires immediate advanced medical care.

Timely activation of EMS ensures that emergency responders can reach the scene as quickly as possible, enabling them to provide critical interventions that a lifeguard is not trained to perform. Additionally, the presence of a lifeguard does not preclude the need for professional medical assistance; rather, it emphasizes the importance of seamless coordination between lifeguards and emergency services for the safety of all patrons.

The other choices do not align with best practices in lifeguarding. For example, activating EMS solely for minor injuries might delay treatment for those who need urgent care, while only acting on the victim's request can lead to dangerous delays if the victim is unable to make that request due to their condition. Lastly, calling EMS because of a crowd of patrons does not address the specific medical needs of any individual and distracts from the priority of direct patient care in emergencies.