Lifeguard First Aid Tips

So you are not a Lifeguard but you want to know the basics of first aid.

The following first aid techniques are most often used to revive drowning victims:

• Mout-to-Mouth Resuscitation
• Artificial Respiration
• CPR

Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation: Mouth-to-Mouth resuscitation is the most effective and easily administered form of artificial respiration with which all pool operating personnel should be familiar.

Artificial Respiration: Artificial respiration by mechanical means (oxygen inhalers) is authorized only if properly trained operators are available to use the equipment.

CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation): Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a lifesaving technique that combines mouth-to-mouth resuscitation with external cardiac compression to restore breathing and heartbeat.

Note: Procedures for administering these techniques should be researched in more detail than this article can provide. Specially noting CPR, this technique should not be attempted unless administering personnel have been properly trained.

Proper training for official first aid procedures requires annual certification.

*Source: Swimming Pool Operation and Maintenance Technical Manual written by the Department of the Army.

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