American Lifeguard Practice Exam 2026 - Free Lifeguard Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The appropriate next step after assessing a collapsed patron for consciousness and finding that they do not respond is to check for breathing and circulation. If the person is unconscious, determining whether they are breathing is crucial because it informs the rescuer's next actions. This assessment helps decide if CPR is necessary or if other emergency interventions should be initiated.

While checking for signs of movement and breathing seems important, it's essential to note that this choice does not specifically direct the lifeguard to perform the critical assessment of breath and circulation. Without confirming whether the individual is breathing or if there is a pulse, it becomes challenging to follow the correct emergency response practices.

In an emergency, especially when dealing with potential respiratory or cardiac issues, knowing whether the victim is breathing and has a pulse can guide the lifeguard's response, including whether to initiate CPR or use an AED if available. Therefore, after determining the patron is unresponsive, checking for breathing and circulation is a vital step in providing the most effective care.