What action should lifeguards take after administering first aid?

After administering first aid, lifeguards should monitor the victim and document the incident. This is crucial for several reasons. Monitoring the victim ensures that they are stable and allows the lifeguard to detect any changes in their condition that might require further action or additional medical attention. It is a vital part of providing ongoing care and reassurance to the victim until professional help arrives or until they are deemed safe.

Documentation of the incident serves multiple purposes. It provides a record of the events that transpired, which can be vital for legal, medical, and organizational purposes. Accurate documentation helps ensure that all details regarding the first aid administered, any medications given, and changes in the victim’s condition are recorded. This information can be important for emergency responders when they arrive or for medical staff if the victim is transported to a healthcare facility.

In contrast, simply leaving the victim alone would not ensure their safety, and reporting to the nearest hospital might be necessary but is not the immediate follow-up action after first aid. Closing the pool for the rest of the day may be excessive unless the situation warrants such a drastic measure. Hence, monitoring the victim while documenting the incident encompasses both immediate care and necessary procedural steps.