During a routine patrol, a security guard encounters an individual who has collapsed and is unconscious, exhibiting shallow breathing. There is no immediate visible threat or hazard to the security guard or the vicinity. The guard determines the individual requires immediate medical attention. What is the most appropriate action the security guard should take in this scenario, considering their role and limitations in providing medical aid in Canada?

Question: During a routine patrol, a security guard encounters an individual who has collapsed and is unconscious, exhibiting shallow breathing. There is no immediate visible threat or hazard to the security guard or the vicinity. The guard determines the individual requires immediate medical attention. What is the most appropriate action the security guard should take in this scenario, considering their role and limitations in providing medical aid in Canada?

Answer options:

• Administer CPR immediately as the individual is unconscious and breathing shallowly, then call for emergency medical services. ✅ Initiate a primary survey to assess for life-threatening conditions, call emergency medical services, and provide only basic first aid for which they are trained, while protecting the scene.
• Move the individual to a more secure location to prevent further injury or public interference before contacting emergency services.
• Search the individual's belongings for medical identification or emergency contact information prior to calling emergency services.

Correct answer: Initiate a primary survey to assess for life-threatening conditions, call emergency medical services, and provide only basic first aid for which they are trained, while protecting the scene.

Explanation: A security guard's role in a medical emergency is primarily to ensure scene safety, activate emergency medical services (911), and provide only the basic first aid they are trained and legally permitted to administer, as per generally accepted first aid principles and provincial standards.