If a patron refuses care but later becomes unconscious, what should you do?

When a patron initially refuses care but later becomes unconscious, the situation changes significantly. In this scenario, the principle of implied consent comes into play. Implied consent means that when a person is unconscious or unable to communicate their wishes due to a medical emergency, it is assumed that they would want care provided to them. This principle is based on the understanding that individuals generally wish to receive help when they are in need and unable to express their desires.

Helping the patron in this situation is crucial because immediate care could be necessary to address a potentially life-threatening condition. Timely intervention can greatly improve the chances of recovery and survival. Thus, the correct response is to provide care under the assumption that the individual would consent to it if they were able to do so.

While waiting for the person to regain consciousness or leaving them alone might seem like an option, these actions could lead to further harm or deterioration of the individual's health. Calling for additional help is certainly advisable, but it does not replace the immediate duty to provide care when someone is unconscious. Therefore, under the circumstances where a person cannot express their wishes, the lifeguard is obligated to act in the best interest of the patron by providing necessary assistance.