Collapsed Teen at a Soccer Game
You are a spectator at a youth soccer game on a warm afternoon. A 16-year-old player suddenly collapses on the field, mid-stride, without contact from another player. You are the first to reach him. He is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and you see occasional gasping. A bystander says, "He just went down; I think he got the wind knocked out of him." There is no AED on site; the nearest one is in the clubhouse about 3 minutes away. Another bystander is on the phone with 911. You are alone with the victim for the moment. You have no gloves or barrier device.
1. What is your immediate action, and how do you respond to the bystander's comment?
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The victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally (agonal gasps are not normal breathing). This is cardiac arrest until proven otherwise. The bystander's comment is incorrect; do not delay. Immediately start CPR: ensure the scene is safe, tap and shout, then call for help (911 is already called). Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, depth at least 2 inches (5 cm) for an adult/teen, allowing full chest recoil. Because you have no barrier device, you may perform compression-only CPR (hands-only) to minimize hesitation and maximize compressions. Do not waste time trying to find a pulse or waiting for the AED. The gasping is not effective breathing; it indicates the need for CPR.
2. Another bystander arrives and says, "I'll go get the AED from the clubhouse." What instructions do you give, and what do you do while waiting?
Read the worked answer
Send the bystander to get the AED, but tell them to return immediately and not to delay by calling 911 again. Continue high-quality CPR while waiting. If another trained rescuer is available, switch compressors every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue. When the AED arrives, turn it on and follow the prompts. Apply pads to the bare chest (upper right and lower left side). Ensure no one is touching the victim during analysis and shock delivery. Resume CPR immediately after the shock or if no shock is advised. Do not stop CPR to wait for the AED; the AED should be applied as soon as it arrives with minimal interruption.