Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What is commotio cordis, and what type of arrest is it treated as?

1. Arrest caused by asphyxiation, treated as traumatic

2. Arrest due to drug overdose, treated as accidental

3. Arrest caused by a sudden blunt impact to the chest, treat as traumatic not medical

4. Arrest due to heart disease, treated as medical

The correct answer is: Arrest caused by a sudden blunt impact to the chest, treat as traumatic not medical

Commotio cordis refers to a specific type of cardiac arrest that occurs due to a sudden blunt impact to the chest, often from projectiles like baseballs or hockey pucks, which can disrupt the heart's electrical activity. This impact can lead to arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation, resulting in immediate cardiac arrest. In the context of treatment, commotio cordis is classified as a traumatic cause of arrest rather than a medical one. This classification is crucial for emergency responders because it influences the approach to resuscitation. Recognizing commotio cordis as a traumatic event underscores the importance of immediate intervention, such as starting CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) as quickly as possible. The focus shifts to addressing the mechanical impact rather than underlying medical conditions, which is vital for effective management and survival outcomes. Given its underlying mechanism—blunt force injury to the chest—it makes sense that commotio cordis is treated as a traumatic arrest, distinguishing it from other causes that might fall under different categories, such as medical emergencies caused by asphyxiation, drug overdoses, or heart disease.