Chief Complaint Rules: A sudden collapse with unconsciousness should be considered what until proven otherwise?

• A. MEDICAL CARDIAC ARREST
• B. TRAUMA
• C. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
• D. Fainting

Answer: (A)

A sudden collapse with unconsciousness should be treated as potential medical cardiac arrest until proven otherwise. This is because the most time-critical cause of collapse is loss of blood circulation from a cardiac arrest, and brain and organ damage begin within minutes without CPR and defibrillation. The immediate course is to ensure scene safety, check for responsiveness, call for help, and start high-quality CPR with chest compressions right away, using an AED as soon as it’s available. While trauma or fainting can cause loss of consciousness, the priority in a sudden collapse is to assume cardiac arrest to prevent delays in lifesaving treatment and increase the chance of survival.