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Traumatic cardiac arrest after penetrating chest injury — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardTraumaTraumatic cardiac arrest after penetrating chest injuryRCPSC EM

CTAS 1: A 24-year-old arrives pulseless after a stab wound to the left chest. CPR started 5 minutes ago; there are organised narrow complexes on the monitor. Pupils are reactive. No signs of massive head injury are present. What is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: B — Perform resuscitative thoracotomy if expertise and resources are immediately available

Penetrating thoracic traumatic arrest with brief downtime and signs of life may benefit from ED resuscitative thoracotomy in capable centres.

Reference: ATLS; Canadian trauma centre practice