If a victim does not give consent for help, what is the appropriate action?

When a victim does not give consent for help, calling for emergency assistance is the appropriate action. This is important because it respects the individual's wishes while ensuring that help is on the way. In cases where a person is unresponsive or unable to communicate their consent, you may still be able to proceed with care due to the presumption of consent in life-threatening situations. However, if a conscious individual clearly refuses assistance, it is critical to prioritize their autonomy.

This choice acknowledges the need to respect the victim’s autonomy while also ensuring that professional help is being summoned. It's important to ensure that someone qualified can take over the situation, especially if the condition of the victim deteriorates or changes.

The other potential actions would not be suitable in this situation: providing care without consent can lead to legal issues and ethical concerns, leaving the scene could put the victim in further danger, and waiting for consent in certain cases may not be feasible, especially if the victim's condition is urgent. By choosing to call for emergency assistance, the lifeguard ensures that they act appropriately while respecting the victim's rights.