On-Field Emergency Procedures Flashcards

A basketball player is struck in the chest and immediately develops hypotension, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds. What condition do these findings suggest?

Answer: Cardiac tamponade

Beck's triad (hypotension, JVD, muffled heart sounds) is the classic presentation of cardiac tamponade.

During heat stroke management on the field, which cooling method has the highest rate of heat dissipation?

Answer: Cold water immersion

Cold water immersion (ice water tub) is the gold standard and most effective method for rapid cooling in exertional heat stroke.

A lacrosse player takes a stick to the throat and develops stridor, hoarseness, and subcutaneous emphysema. What structure is most likely injured?

Answer: Larynx or trachea

Stridor, hoarseness, and subcutaneous emphysema after blunt anterior neck trauma indicate laryngotracheal injury.

What is the target core body temperature at which active cooling should be stopped in an exertional heat stroke patient?

Answer: 103°F (39.4°C)

Cooling is typically stopped at approximately 103°F (39.4°C) to avoid overshooting and causing hypothermia.

A swimmer is pulled from the water unresponsive and not breathing. Rescue breaths are given but the chest does not rise. What is the next step?

Answer: Reposition the head and retry the breath

If the initial rescue breath fails to produce chest rise, the head should be repositioned before a second attempt.

Which sign differentiates a simple rib fracture from a flail chest segment?

Answer: Paradoxical chest wall movement with respiration

Paradoxical movement (segment moves inward on inspiration, outward on expiration) is the defining feature of a flail chest segment.

In the management of an open (sucking) chest wound, what type of dressing should ideally be applied?

Answer: Three-sided occlusive dressing

A three-sided occlusive dressing acts as a flutter valve, allowing air to escape on expiration while preventing air entry on inspiration.