Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

When should you consider early transport (after 1st analysis) in a medical cardiac arrest?

1. If the arrest occurred in a public place

2. If it is a witnessed arrest

3. If there are potential disabilities after ROSC

4. If there is a suspected PE

The correct answer is: If there is a suspected PE

The choice to consider early transport in a medical cardiac arrest is crucial, especially in circumstances where the underlying cause may indicate a time-sensitive intervention. When a suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is present, it can severely affect the patient's prognosis. A PE can obstruct blood flow to the lungs and lead to rapid decompensation, making early transport vital for the provision of advanced medical care that may be required to address the underlying issue. In this context, recognizing signs or conditions that may lead to a cardiac arrest is important. If there is a strong suspicion of PE, timely transport to an appropriate medical facility can significantly influence outcomes, as interventions such as thrombolysis are time-dependent and could drastically improve survival and recovery chances. Other scenarios like a witnessed arrest or an arrest occurring in a public place might suggest that there is the potential for a better prognosis due to quicker bystander response or pre-existing health data. However, they don't inherently necessitate transport before stabilizing the patient. Similarly, concerns about potential disabilities after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) should be addressed in the assessment of the patient but do not dictate the urgency of transport following a cardiac event. Prioritizing the transport depending on the suspected etiology, such as a pulmonary embolism