T or F: Patients in cardiac arrest from blunt chest trauma should not be transported by air transport.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Cannot determine
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

Traumatic cardiac arrest from blunt chest injuries calls for rapid, definitive care, and the risks of air transport often outweigh any potential benefit. The helicopter environment can complicate ongoing CPR, cause delays in delivering definitive care, and expose thoracic injuries to altitude-related pressure changes that can worsen conditions like pneumothorax or cardiac contusion. Ground transport to the closest appropriate trauma center typically allows faster arrival for definitive interventions and reduces the risk of complications associated with flight. Exceptions exist only when local protocols and patient circumstances make air transport necessary or advantageous, but the general guidance is to avoid air transport in this scenario.