CCSP Emergency Procedures & Sideline Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An athlete collapses on the field with suspected sudden cardiac arrest. What is the correct sequence of actions?
- Call 911, begin CPR, use AED as soon as available (Correct answer)
- Use AED first, then begin CPR
- Perform rescue breathing only until EMS arrives
- Check pulse for 60 seconds before initiating CPR
Correct answer: Call 911, begin CPR, use AED as soon as available
The chain of survival for SCA is early recognition/call for help, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation, and advanced care.
Question 2: A football lineman sustains a helmet-to-helmet collision and presents with cervical spine tenderness and bilateral arm numbness. The most appropriate initial sideline action is:
- Stabilize the cervical spine and activate EMS (Correct answer)
- Remove the helmet immediately to assess airway
- Apply a cervical collar and transport by personal vehicle
- Perform Spurling's test to rule out nerve root injury
Correct answer: Stabilize the cervical spine and activate EMS
Suspected cervical spine injury requires immediate spinal immobilization and EMS activation to prevent secondary injury.
Question 3: Which sign best differentiates exertional heat stroke from heat exhaustion in an athlete?
- Core temperature above 40°C (104°F) with CNS dysfunction (Correct answer)
- Profuse sweating with normal mental status
- Heart rate above 120 bpm
- Serum sodium below 135 mEq/L
Correct answer: Core temperature above 40°C (104°F) with CNS dysfunction
Heat stroke is defined by hyperthermia (>40°C) combined with central nervous system dysfunction such as confusion or loss of consciousness.
Question 4: During sideline management of a suspected anaphylactic reaction, the first-line treatment is:
- Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM into the anterolateral thigh (Correct answer)
- Diphenhydramine 50 mg IV push
- Albuterol inhaler two puffs
- Oral corticosteroids and observation
Correct answer: Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM into the anterolateral thigh
Intramuscular epinephrine into the thigh is the primary and most time-critical treatment for anaphylaxis.
Question 5: A wrestler is found unresponsive in the locker room with a slow, irregular pulse and cold, pale skin. The athletic trainer suspects hypothermia. The correct field management is:
- Remove wet clothing, apply passive rewarming, and activate EMS (Correct answer)
- Vigorous whole-body massage to increase circulation
- Immerse the athlete in warm water immediately
- Give hot fluids orally and transport by personal vehicle
Correct answer: Remove wet clothing, apply passive rewarming, and activate EMS
Passive rewarming and EMS activation are correct for severe hypothermia; aggressive rewarming can trigger cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 6: The preferred cooling method for exertional heat stroke on the sideline is:
- Cold water immersion (ice bath at 1–15°C) (Correct answer)
- Fanning with misting spray only
- Ice packs placed at neck and armpits only
- Shade rest with oral hydration
Correct answer: Cold water immersion (ice bath at 1–15°C)
Cold water immersion is the gold-standard field treatment for exertional heat stroke due to its superior cooling rate.
Question 7: When managing an open fracture on the sideline, which step is most critical before splinting?
- Control hemorrhage with direct pressure and sterile dressing (Correct answer)
- Reduce the fracture to decrease soft tissue damage
- Apply a tourniquet proximal to the fracture immediately
- Irrigate the wound with normal saline for 10 minutes
Correct answer: Control hemorrhage with direct pressure and sterile dressing
Hemorrhage control with a sterile dressing is the priority before immobilization of an open fracture in the field.
CCSP Emergency Procedures & Sideline Management 2
An athlete collapses on the field with suspected sudden cardiac arrest.
What is the correct sequence of actions?