Trauma Overview
List three examples of significant injuries
Injury to more than one body system
Falls from heights
Motor vehicle and motorcycle crashes
Car vs. pedestrian
Gunshot wounds
Stabbing
How fast do you have to make a transport decision to avoid a critical fail?
Under 10 minutes
Where do arteries carry blood to?
Away from the heart
Should you remove blood soaked gauze from a bleeding injury?
NO
This can remove the work you've done to stop the bleeding
BSI
IS MY SCENE SAFE?
What factors do you have to consider when dealing with a patient who fell?
Height of fall
Type of surface struck
Part of the body that hit first
First step in NREMT Trauma Assessment
BSI
IS MY SCENE SAFE?
Describe two functions of the cardiovascular system
Delivers oxygen and nutrients
Carries away metabolic waste products
Responsible for supplying and maintaining adequate blood flow
If a patient has Hemophilia, what does that mean?
Patient lacks blood-clotting factors
Their body will struggle to stop bleeding
Second step of NREMT Bleeding Control
Apply direct pressure to the bleeding wound
State the three types of collisions that happen in a motor vehicle accident
Car vs. object
Occupant vs. interior of car
Occupant's internal organs vs. occupant's solid structures of body
What are the three steps in the primary survey portion of the NREMT Trauma Assessment?
Verbalize general impression of pt.
Determines responsiveness/LOC
Determine chief complaint/apparent life threats
What is the function of platelets?
What is the function of white blood cells?
What is the function of red blood cells?
Platelets- Responsible for forming blood clots
WBC- Fighting infections
RBC- Transportation of oxygen to the cells
Signs of internal bleeding?
Abdominal tenderness
Guarding
Rigidity
Pain
Distention
Bruising
Hematemesis
Melena
What should you do when the examiner tells you the wound continues to bleed?
Apply a tourniquet
How should you treat multisystem trauma?
Alert medical control
Rapid transport
Treat for shock
Watch for vital sign trends
Treat secondary injuries
What do you need to do during the circulation portion of the NREMT Trauma Assessment?
Check pulse
Assess skin
Assess for and control any major bleeding
Initiate shock management
Definition of perfusion
Circulation of blood within an organ or tissue to meet the cells' needs for oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal
What is a late sign of hypoperfusion?
Decreased blood pressure
What should you do when the examiner tells you the patient is exhibiting signs of shock?
Properly position the patient (supine)
Apply high flow oxygen
Conserve body heat (blanket)
What is your main priority while on a trauma scene?
Your safety
Safety of your crew and the patient
What steps are involved with initiating shock management?
Place pt. supine
Apply high flow oxygen
Conserve body heat (blanket)
Rapid transport
How long can the brain and spinal cord survive without blood flow?
4-6 minutes
How should you control bleeding?
Direct pressure
Pressure changes
Tourniquet
What would be your transport decision for this patient?
Rapid Transport