Whose consent must be obtained for care?

Whose consent must be obtained for care?

• A. An awake and alert adult or the parent of a child under 18
• B. The victim's best friend
• C. Any bystander
• D. The first responder's supervisor

Answer: (A)

Consent to care means you must have the person’s permission before giving help. In lifeguarding, you should obtain explicit consent from someone who is capable of deciding: an awake and alert adult who can understand what you plan to do. For a child under 18, you obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian who is present and able to decide. Bystanders, a friend, or even a supervisor do not automatically give you permission to treat someone—their role isn’t to authorize care for another person. If the person is unconscious or otherwise unable to respond, and delaying care could put them at risk, you may proceed under implied consent to provide life-saving care, then inform the person or guardian as soon as possible.

Consent to care means you must have the person’s permission before giving help. In lifeguarding, you should obtain explicit consent from someone who is capable of deciding: an awake and alert adult who can understand what you plan to do. For a child under 18, you obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian who is present and able to decide. Bystanders, a friend, or even a supervisor do not automatically give you permission to treat someone—their role isn’t to authorize care for another person. If the person is unconscious or otherwise unable to respond, and delaying care could put them at risk, you may proceed under implied consent to provide life-saving care, then inform the person or guardian as soon as possible.