When should a lifeguard use personal protective equipment (PPE)?

A lifeguard should use personal protective equipment (PPE) when rendering appropriate care. This practice is essential to ensure the safety of both the lifeguard and the person receiving help. PPE helps protect against exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or potential pathogens, which is especially important in emergency situations where there may be a risk of infection or disease transmission.

While other scenarios, such as assessing the scene or checking for consciousness, are crucial parts of the emergency response process, they may not involve direct interaction that warrants the use of PPE. Contacting emergency services is an important step in managing an emergency, but again, it does not typically require the use of protective gear. The primary concern when providing direct care is to safeguard oneself while delivering assistance effectively, hence the emphasis on PPE in this context.