What to Do When You Encounter an Unconscious Person as a Security Guard

Your role as a security guard comes with significant responsibilities, particularly when something unexpected happens—like stumbling upon an unconscious person. Let's think about this scenario for a moment. You find someone unresponsive, lying there, and time is of the essence. You don’t have a radio or a cellphone to call for emergency services. What should you do?

In this case, the best option is to tell someone in the crowd to call for help while you stay with the individual. Sounds simple, right? Yet, it’s a critical decision. Why? Because by leaving the person to find a telephone, you risk worsening the situation. Imagine if they need immediate medical assistance, and you’re nowhere to help them.

Staying put not only allows you to observe any changes in the person's condition, but it also gives you a chance to administer first aid if you're trained. People often underestimate the impact a single person can have; your presence could make all the difference in preventing further harm.

You might wonder, “Why not pull the fire alarm?” Though it seems like a proactive move, it could create chaos and divert attention away from the unconscious individual. An evacuation process might slow down the necessary assistance. So, while it’s nice in theory, it’s not practical when immediate action is needed.

Of course, some might say that security guards need consent before offering help, which is true to some extent. But when faced with a life-threatening scenario, the need for help outweighs the consent requirement. After all, an unconscious person isn’t in a position to provide consent.

So, let’s recap here: you should direct someone from the crowd to call emergency services and stick by the person in need. You ensure that help is on the way while doing your best to assist them. It’s all about balance—acting decisively while also making sure that professional help is contacted quickly.

Training for these situations is a must for any security guard aspiring to take their role seriously. Familiarizing yourself with emergency protocols and first aid techniques will prepare you for the unexpected. And trust me; that training can save lives. The Ontario Security Guard License requires a solid grasp of these procedures—because when every second counts, you can’t afford to hesitate.

In conclusion, being a security guard means being prepared for all sorts of incidents, especially when they catch you off guard. Be vigilant, train hard, and remember that your ability to stay calm and collected can make a significant difference in emergency situations. Whether you’re working an event or patrolling a facility, your ability to respond quickly can turn a potentially disastrous situation into a controlled, manageable one.