Exposure
Explain the medical mnemonic DUMBELS.
A mnemonic for cholinergic poisoning symptoms: Diarrhea, Urination, Miosis, Bradycardia/Bronchospasm, Emesis(vomiting), Lacrimation(tears), Salivation/Sweating.
Define internal bleeding.
Bleeding that occurs inside the body, often into organs, tissues, or body cavities.
Define partial-thickness burn.
A burn that damages the top layers of skin (epidermis and part of the dermis), causing redness, blistering, and pain.
When using gauze and direct pressure to help control bleeding, what steps should be taken if it continues?
Keep adding more gauze and maintain firm pressure. If bleeding still doesn’t stop, apply a tourniquet.
Remember: Never remove the gauze—it could reopen the wound.
What should you do for a severe bleeding head wound in an infant, child, or adult?
Infant: Apply gentle, direct pressure with a sterile dressing to control bleeding. Do not press on a skull fracture or depressed area. Keep the airway open and control bleeding carefully. Be very aware for signs of shock.
Child: Use firm but cautious pressure; reassure and keep them still.
Adult: Apply steady direct pressure unless there’s an obvious fracture or deformity.
Explain the medical mnemonic SLUDGE.
A mnemonic for cholinergic poisoning symptoms: Salivation, Lacrimation(tears), Urination, Defecation, Gastrointestinal cramps, Emesis(vomiting).
Define venous bleeding.
Bleeding from a vein, usually steady and dark red.
Define chemical burn.
A burn caused by contact with chemicals, which can damage skin and deeper tissues depending on the substance and exposure time.
You find a sharp object embedded in a patient’s leg. What should you do next?
Leave the object in place, apply pressure around it to control bleeding, and secure it to prevent movement.
How do you assess a patient with a possible neck injury if movement causes severe pain?
Manually stabilize the neck in the position found. If there is a transfer to another crew, maintain until they assume stabilization.
Name the differences between DUMBELS and SLUDGE.
Think SLUDGE = “the messy wet stuff” (all the fluids your body leaks).
DUMBELS = SLUDGE + heart/lung + pupils + sweat (a slightly bigger picture of cholinergic effects).
Define capillary bleeding.
Bleeding from capillaries, usually slow and oozing.
Define superficial burn.
A burn that affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness and pain but usually no blistering.
How do you treat a patient with an unknown chemical in their eye?
Begin immediate, continuous flushing with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes, making sure the contaminated water drains away from the other eye. Continue flushing during transport.
What do you do if a trauma patient reports severe neck pain?
Stabilize the patient’s head and neck in the position found to prevent further spinal injury.
Define cholinergic.
Causing effects like increased saliva, tears, digestion, or slowed heart rate; related to the body’s “rest and digest” responses.
Define arterial bleeding.
Bleeding from an artery, usually bright red and spurting with the heartbeat.
Define full-thickness burn.
A burn that destroys all layers of the skin, possibly affecting fat, muscles, or bones, often painless due to nerve damage.
A patient has a leg burn that appears charred, and they report no pain. What type of burn could this be, and why?
A full-thickness burn, because the burn has destroyed all skin layers and nerve endings, making it appear dry or charred with little or no pain.
What can cause a patient with a closed head injury to become unstable?
Increased pressure on the brain (such as from swelling or bleeding), which can impair vital functions.
How do you transport amputated parts to minimize exposure and help keep them viable?
Wrap the part in a clean, damp sterile dressing, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and keep it cool by placing the bag on ice—but do not let the part touch the ice directly. Transport to medical care quickly.
Define the various types of deformities: Complex amputation, a severe dislocation, a closed fracture, and an open fracture.
Complex amputation: The loss of a body part where bones, muscles, and soft tissue are severely damaged or removed.
Severe dislocation: A deformity where a joint is forced out of its normal position, often with visible misalignment and loss of function.
Closed fracture: A broken bone that does not break through the skin, usually causing pain, swelling, and deformity.
Open fracture: A broken bone that pierces the skin, creating an open wound and increasing the risk of infection.
How do you treat a full-thickness burn?
Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing, do not remove burned clothing, prevent shock, keep the patient warm, seek immediate medical care, and do not apply ointments or water.
Tip: Full-thickness burns require professional medical treatment, often including IV fluids, pain management, and sometimes surgery or grafting.
How do you treat a partial-thickness burn?
Cover the burn with a dry, sterile dressing, avoid breaking blisters, and monitor for shock or signs of infection.
A motorcyclist is found unresponsive and not wearing a helmet. What is your biggest concern and why?
Potential spinal injury, because lack of helmet protection increases the risk of head and neck trauma, which could damage the spinal cord.