CCSP On-Field Emergency Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An AED is attached to an unconscious athlete and the device advises 'no shock recommended.' What is the appropriate next action?
- Check for a pulse and, if absent, resume CPR immediately (Correct answer)
- Remove pads and check for breathing again
- Wait 2 minutes for the AED to re-analyze
- Administer a precordial thump
Correct answer: Check for a pulse and, if absent, resume CPR immediately
A 'no shock' advisory means the rhythm is not shockable (e.g., asystole); if no pulse, CPR should be resumed immediately for 2 minutes before re-analysis.
Question 2: During a football game a lineman sustains a suspected long bone femur fracture. Which of the following is the PRIMARY concern beyond pain management?
- Compartment syndrome
- Fat embolism
- Hemorrhagic shock from significant blood loss (Correct answer)
- Avascular necrosis
Correct answer: Hemorrhagic shock from significant blood loss
A closed femur fracture can result in up to 1.5-2 liters of blood loss into the thigh, making hemorrhagic shock the primary immediate concern.
Question 3: Which assessment tool using the mnemonic AVPU is used for rapid neurological evaluation in on-field emergencies?
- Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive (Correct answer)
- Airway, Ventilation, Pulse, Urgency
- Alertness, Vision, Pupils, Unconscious
- Alert, Vital signs, Pupils, Unconscious
Correct answer: Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive
AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive) is a rapid four-level scale for assessing level of consciousness in emergency settings.
Question 4: An injured athlete requires transport on a spine board. After securing the torso, which body segment should be secured LAST?
- Legs
- Head and cervical spine (Correct answer)
- Pelvis
- Arms
Correct answer: Head and cervical spine
The head is secured last on a spine board so that adjustments to body straps do not inadvertently shift the cervical spine before it is locked in place.
Question 5: A 16-year-old tennis player develops sudden severe chest pain and dyspnea during practice. Breath sounds are absent on the left and tracheal deviation is noted to the right. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Left-sided hemothorax
- Left-sided tension pneumothorax (Correct answer)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Aortic rupture
Correct answer: Left-sided tension pneumothorax
Absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from the affected side, and acute respiratory distress are hallmarks of tension pneumothorax.
Question 6: In the event of a lightning strike affecting multiple athletes, which victim should receive care FIRST?
- The athlete who is conscious and screaming in pain
- The athlete who is unconscious and not breathing (Correct answer)
- The athlete who is ambulatory but confused
- The athlete who sustained secondary blast injuries
Correct answer: The athlete who is unconscious and not breathing
Unlike most mass casualty events, lightning victims who appear dead should be treated first because they have the best chance of survival with immediate CPR.
Question 7: Which of the following findings on field assessment would MOST warrant immediate activation of EMS rather than sideline management?
- Grade I ankle sprain with mild swelling
- Athlete with GCS of 14 and brief confusion that quickly clears
- Athlete with unequal pupils and declining level of consciousness after head impact (Correct answer)
- Localized pain over the ulnar styloid after a fall
Correct answer: Athlete with unequal pupils and declining level of consciousness after head impact
Unequal pupils (anisocoria) with a declining level of consciousness after head trauma suggests herniation and requires immediate neurosurgical emergency response.
CCSP On-Field Emergency Procedures 5
An AED is attached to an unconscious athlete and the device advises 'no shock recommended.' What is the appropriate next action?