NREMT Paramedic Practice

Commotion cordis is best described as what?

1. A gradual heart failure

2. A sudden heart attack

3. Sudden death following a blow to the chest

4. Death following an allergic reaction

The correct answer is: Sudden death following a blow to the chest

Commotion cordis is best described as a sudden death that occurs following a blunt impact to the chest, typically during sports activities. This condition results from a specific type of heart rhythm disturbance known as ventricular fibrillation, which can be triggered by a direct blow to the precordial area of the chest during a critical period of the cardiac cycle. The force of the impact can disrupt the heart's electrical activity, leading to instantaneous collapse and potentially fatal outcomes if immediate resuscitation is not performed. This phenomenon highlights the importance of protective gear in contact sports and the need for awareness and preparedness for sudden cardiac events in athletic settings. Understanding commotion cordis is crucial for emergency responders and medical personnel, as prompt recognition and intervention can significantly affect the outcome for the affected individual.