What should be your immediate action for a pulseless 17-year-old male after a chest impact from a baseball?

Study for the NOLS Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam confidently!

In the scenario described, the immediate action for a pulseless individual—especially one who has experienced a significant chest impact—is to begin chest compressions. When a person is found to be pulseless, this indicates that their heart is not effectively pumping blood. In the context of a traumatic event like a chest impact from a baseball, there could be corresponding injuries such as cardiac contusion or other thoracic injuries that might have compromised heart function.

Starting chest compressions right away is vital because it helps to maintain some blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until advanced medical care can take over. The goal is to provide mechanical circulation through compressions, which can help preserve life during a critical emergency.

Checking for responsiveness or calling for additional help is certainly important as part of your overall assessment and treatment. However, the most critical and immediate action upon noting pulselessness is to initiate chest compressions, as they are essential in managing cardiac arrest and improving the chances of survival. Similarly, while breathing support may be necessary, the absence of a pulse is a more immediate concern than ventilation, making compressions the priority in this life-threatening situation.

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