SCS Emergency Procedures & Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An athlete collapses on the field and is unresponsive. After confirming no pulse, you begin CPR. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing adult CPR?
- 15:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 5:1
- 20:2
Correct answer: 30:2
Current AHA guidelines specify a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR.
Question 2: During a football game, a player sustains a suspected cervical spine injury. The athlete is wearing a helmet with a face mask. Which action is MOST appropriate?
- Remove the helmet immediately to access the airway
- Remove only the face mask while leaving the helmet in place (Correct answer)
- Leave all equipment on and transport as-is
- Remove both helmet and shoulder pads simultaneously
Correct answer: Remove only the face mask while leaving the helmet in place
The face mask should be removed to access the airway while leaving the helmet in place to maintain cervical spine alignment.
Question 3: A distance runner collapses near the finish line with hot, dry skin and a rectal temperature of 41.5°C (106.7°F). What is the immediate priority treatment?
- Administer IV fluids and monitor vitals
- Cool first, transport second using cold water immersion (Correct answer)
- Transport immediately to the nearest emergency facility
- Apply ice packs to axilla and groin only
Correct answer: Cool first, transport second using cold water immersion
Exertional heat stroke requires aggressive cooling via cold water immersion before transport to reduce core temperature below 39°C.
Question 4: An AED advises 'no shock recommended' after analysis of an unresponsive athlete with no pulse. What is the next appropriate action?
- Discontinue resuscitation efforts
- Resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes (Correct answer)
- Recheck the AED pads and reanalyze
- Administer a precordial thump
Correct answer: Resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes
If the AED advises no shock, CPR should be resumed immediately because the rhythm may be asystole or PEA, which are not shockable.
Question 5: A wrestler presents with a suspected pneumothorax after a traumatic chest blow. Which finding would MOST support this diagnosis?
- Bilateral wheezing on auscultation
- Decreased breath sounds on the affected side (Correct answer)
- Bradycardia and hypotension
- Paradoxical chest wall movement
Correct answer: Decreased breath sounds on the affected side
Decreased or absent breath sounds on the ipsilateral side is a hallmark sign of pneumothorax.
Question 6: A 17-year-old basketball player experiences sudden onset chest pain and near-syncope during a game. His older brother died suddenly at age 22. Which condition is MOST concerning?
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Correct answer)
- Vasovagal syncope
- Commotio cordis
Correct answer: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
A family history of sudden cardiac death combined with exertional chest pain and near-syncope strongly suggests hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Question 7: When managing a diabetic athlete who is conscious but confused with suspected hypoglycemia, which intervention is MOST appropriate?
- Administer glucagon injection immediately
- Provide 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates orally (Correct answer)
- Give insulin and monitor blood glucose
- Transport immediately without any oral intervention
Correct answer: Provide 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates orally
A conscious athlete who can swallow should receive 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates; recheck glucose in 15 minutes.
SCS Emergency Procedures & Response 2
An athlete collapses on the field and is unresponsive.
After confirming no pulse, you begin CPR.
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing adult CPR?