What distinguishes a rescue from a recovery?

A rescue is defined by the involvement of a conscious individual who requires assistance. This is crucial because the goal of rescue operations is to provide immediate help to someone who is in distress but aware and potentially able to respond. In contrast, recovery situations typically involve individuals who are unresponsive or not conscious, which often indicates a different context and response protocol where the focus shifts to the retrieval of a body rather than providing immediate assistance.

Understanding this distinction is vital for lifeguards and first responders, as it informs their actions and decisions in emergency situations. The clarity around whether someone is conscious affects the techniques used and the urgency of the response. Therefore, recognizing that a rescue must involve a conscious individual is foundational to distinguishing between these two concepts.