They are usually red and waterproof. You may have seen them on many lifeguards, but have you ever wondered: what’s exactly inside a lifeguard fanny pack?
Lifeguards have a big responsibility on their hands. They must be ready to intervene at any time: their alertness, and the equipment they carry with them, is actively saving lives!
While on duty, a lifeguard will most frequently use his whistle. The whistle that a lifeguard carries on a lanyard around his neck must be waterproof, and loud enough to be heard above the pool noise.
He will always have with him a rescue tube or a rescue board, and a first aid kit. It is the first aid kit that is the content of a lifeguard fanny pack!
The contents of a lifeguard fanny pack focus on emergencies that require his immediate attention. A lifeguard fanny pack will typically contain an adult and pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) breathing mask, sterile pads, an absorbent compress (roller gauze) or triangular bandage, gloves, and antiseptic wipes.
These items will provide a lifeguard with all that he needs for initial care of an unresponsive victim, until other lifeguards bring larger first aid kit and other equipment to the scene. If necessary, a lifeguard fanny pack can go into the water with him.
Whenever a lifeguard administers first aid, he will wear gloves from his first aid kit. He will apply a body isolation substance on the victim, and use the antiseptic wipes for local disinfection.
When administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, a lifeguard will place a CPR mask over the victim’s nose and mouth. Antiseptic wipes from his first aid kit can be used to sterilize the mask.
There should be enough gauze in the fanny pack for a lifeguard to control the bleeding or other trauma, until other lifeguards get more supplies or the 911 arrives. Triangle bandages can be used to create slings and splints in case of a bone breakage.
CPR masks are usually packed in white triangular cases, so they can be fitted inside the fanny pack. Sterile items such as adhesive bandages, gauze pads, or roller gauze, must be sealed in waterproof protection. If possible, they should not be taken into the water at all. They are of no use to the victim while still in the water, and they could be accidentally contaminated.
The job of a lifeguard is to keep everyone safe. A lifeguard fanny pack is the best way to have with him at all times all the necessities he needs to do just that.