What is true of a combative survivor?

A combative survivor is someone who, due to various factors such as fear, panic, or disorientation, may actively resist help during a rescue attempt. This can happen in water rescue scenarios where a survivor, feeling threatened or overwhelmed, might fight against rescuers, thinking that they are in danger or simply wanting to escape the situation they are in. Understanding this behavior is crucial for rescue teams, as they need to approach these individuals with care and develop strategies to ensure their own safety while also getting the survivor to safety.

The other choices do not accurately portray typical behaviors of a combative survivor. For instance, a combative survivor is not always unconscious; in fact, many are quite alert but may be in a state of panic. They are unlikely to evaluate conditions because their focus is often solely on survival, not on assessing weather or water conditions. Additionally, while some survivors may be in critical condition or may have been submerged, it is not correct to say they are typically drowned before rescue, as this is not a defining characteristic of a combative survivor.