what do you do
An elderly patient is showing signs of distress. Symptoms include skin showing signs of shock including a very low pulse.
Consider the medications the patient may be taking. Some may affect the heart rate.
You have found a sucking chest wound...
Place gloved hand over the wound and continue assessing until an occlusive dressing can be gathered / placed.
The first EMS providers arriving at an MCI will initially be
Triage officer
Pregnant patient is in your ambulance from a trauma and is not tolerating the backboard
Pad the patient to tilt to the side
If a patient complains of neck and back pain....why do we put on a C Collar
To keep from moving their neck....(gentle reminder)
you have a patient with multiple fractures...both legs and forearms. What would be the first splint used..
Long bone (leg) splints. Protect femur from excessive movement / bleeding
you have an elderly patient (you know 65+) that needs to be moved but is in extreme pain.
Try alternate methods...scoop stretcher can minimize movement when moving.
You have a patient with major trauma what precaution should be taken
Be sure the C spine is in a neutral inline position, then correctly place a C collar if needed
oozing blood wound
abrasion
you have a patient with no pulse and is a victim of a severe trauma - how do we take spinal precautions.
SMR - spinal motion restrictions
A patient has presented with abnormal chest movement during inhale.
Give oxygen and assist breathing
wound with a flap left on the injury
avulsion
An patient was celebrating the holidays with their family but has fallen a long distance landing on their feet.
First consideration is C spine injury...so prepare a C Collar.
Other splinting of bones (pillow, long bone, etc) may be necessary but C spine is first until it is determined how many bones need to be splinted
patient has a puncture wound on his left side. No major bleeding but patient is complaining of being unable to breathe.
Since it is a breathing issue, put on an airtight dressing on the injury
patient is concerned about mobility and/or disfiguration
Assure patient that no one will know the outcome until a doctor sees it, but reassure that they will do the best they can.