Question

You coach a women's softball team, and during a game you see your shortstop suddenly collapse. You find that she's not breathing normally and is unresponsive. While a player calls for emergency medical assistance, you.

a. give a rescue breath
b. begin external chest compressions
c. wait for the AED
d. deliver emergency oxygen e, none of the above

Answer 1

In the described emergency situation where the player is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you should immediately start external chest compressions as per CPR guidelines. If available, an AED should also be used, but CPR should not be delayed while waiting for it. The correct answer is b. begin external chest compressions.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a shortstop on your women's softball team suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, you should begin external chest compressions immediately. This is in line with current CPR guidelines that emphasize high-quality chest compressions of at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.

While one of your players is calling for emergency medical assistance, it's crucial to start these life-saving measures right away. The use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) is also recommended, but only after CPR has been initiated, unless an AED is immediately available.

An AED is a portable electronic device found in many public places, which diagnoses the patient's heart rhythm and applies an electrical shock to correct abnormal rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation.

However, remember that chest compressions should not be delayed while waiting for an AED or any other equipment. The priority is to ensure that blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain, is maintained.