Emergency Procedures & Sideline Management Flashcards

A wrestler collapses on the mat and bystanders report a witnessed tonic-clonic seizure lasting 2 minutes that has just stopped. On your arrival the athlete is post-ictal. The most important initial sideline action is:

Answer: Ensure airway patency, place in recovery position, and monitor vital signs

After a seizure ends, maintaining airway patency and placing the athlete in the recovery (lateral) position prevents aspiration and manages the post-ictal state.

An EAP (Emergency Action Plan) for an athletic venue should include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Detailed treatment protocols for each possible injury

EAPs define who does what and how to access resources; detailed treatment protocols belong in clinical guidelines, not the venue emergency action plan.

A lacrosse player is struck in the chest by a ball during the vulnerable window of cardiac repolarization and collapses immediately. This phenomenon is called:

Answer: Commotio cordis

Commotio cordis is ventricular fibrillation triggered by a low-energy chest blow during the T-wave peak and requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.

Which of the following is the MOST reliable early indicator of impending exertional sickling collapse in a sickle cell trait athlete?

Answer: Sudden severe muscle pain and weakness disproportionate to effort

Exertional sickling presents with sudden cramping, ischemic pain, and weakness during intense exertion — distinct from heat cramps — and requires immediate rest and oxygen.

During a sideline evaluation, an athlete with a known history of exercise-induced bronchospasm reports worsening dyspnea not relieved after two doses of albuterol. The CCSP should:

Answer: Activate EMS immediately and continue bronchodilator therapy while monitoring

Bronchospasm unresponsive to two doses of albuterol constitutes a severe asthma exacerbation requiring emergency services and advanced airway management.

A football player sustains a 'burner' (stinger) during a tackle and has unilateral arm burning and weakness. What is the correct return-to-play criterion?

Answer: Full, painless range of motion and symmetric upper extremity strength before return

Return to play after a burner requires complete resolution of symptoms AND full symmetric strength to prevent recurrent injury in a vulnerable neural tissue.

During mass participation event medical coverage, an athlete presents with hyponatremia (Na+ 118 mEq/L) and is confused with seizure activity. The correct immediate intervention is:

Answer: Activate EMS for IV hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) administration

Symptomatic severe hyponatremia with seizures is a medical emergency requiring hypertonic saline — isotonic fluids can worsen cerebral edema.