Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

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

1. Pediatric patients

2. Patient refusal

3. Any cardiac arrest situation

4. Pregnancy assumed to be 20 weeks or more

The correct answer is: Pregnancy assumed to be 20 weeks or more

Considering early transport in a medical cardiac arrest scenario, particularly when pregnancy is assumed to be 20 weeks or more, is crucial due to the unique physiological changes and potential complications associated with advanced pregnancy. In such cases, the mother’s health is intricately linked to the fetus, and timely transport to a medical facility may be necessary to optimize outcomes for both parties. The urgency is heightened, as cardiac arrest in a pregnant patient can lead to severe consequences for the fetus due to a lack of oxygen. Therefore, if you recognize a pregnant patient in cardiac arrest, the standard approach is to initiate immediate transport after performing an initial assessment, rather than spending prolonged time on scene. In other situations, while there may be considerations for early transport, those choices do not carry the same immediacy or critical necessity as a pregnant patient undergoing cardiac arrest. For instance, pediatric patients typically require specialized pediatric care, and while transport may be a consideration, the focus is on ensuring resuscitation efforts are effectively managed on scene first. Similarly, a patient refusing care complicates the scenario and doesn’t necessitate immediate transport without the right circumstances. Finally, in any cardiac arrest, early transport is often crucial, but the distinction of a pregnant patient at this advanced stage highlights