ABC's/Trauma
The first priority when approaching any trauma patient
What are the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)?
What are signs of a mild concussion?
Brief loss of consciousness, mild headache, nausea, blurred vision, mild dizziness.
Primary concern for all chest injuries.
Potential respiratory deterioration
Superficial cold injury causing redness and mild pain.
Frostnip
Mnemonic for causes of altered mental status
AEIOU-TIPS
Acronym for assessing soft tissue injury.
What is DCAP-BTLS?
Your patient has a suspected head injury, what are omniums signs?
Deviated gaze, pupils unequal or non-reactive, pulse slow, respirations falter.
A fractured femur may cause what hidden complication?
Significant internal blood loss.
Rewarming temperature for deep frostbite
37–39°C (99–102°F)
What does FAST stand for and why use it?
Stroke Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911
If a patient is suspected of a spinal injury, what should you do?
What is manually stabilize the c-spine, immobilize for transport on vacmat
A suspected skull fracture should never be treated how?
Do not apply direct pressure.
Before and after splinting an extremity, what must be checked?
Circulation, Sensation, Movement (CSM).
In hypothermic arrest, should chest compressions be initiated if pulse is present?
No; handle gently and focus on slow ventilations
Initial care for a patient having a seizure
ABCs, protect from injury, roll onto side if indicated, monitor, call EMS if necessary.
You encounter a patient with shock signs. List the first steps.
What are assess ABCs, provide oxygen, treat underlying cause, monitor vital signs?
After a spinal injury, what do you frequently reassess?
Distal Circulation, Sensation, Movement (CSM).
Signs of hypoglycemia
Rapid onset, confusion, irritability, slurred speech, hunger, thirst, unresponsiveness, shock.
Signs of heat stroke
Disorientation, agitation, seizures, nausea/vomiting, dehydration, ataxia, shock.
Emergency care for diabetic patient with BGL <60
ABCs, administer glucose, contact EMS, transport.
When should spinal protection be applied?
When patient is unstable, in pain, has altered mental status, neurological deficit, or questionable mechanism (WHEN IN DOUBT, IMMOBILIZE).
How do you manage a seizure patient with trauma history?
Roll onto left side while maintaining spinal protection.
When may a dislocation be reduced in the field?
Only by advanced practitioners and if no associated fracture, joint fracture, or open wound.
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Headache, nausea, fatigue, confusion, drowsiness, ataxia, decreased LOC.
Key points for chest pain of suspected cardiac origin.
Call EMS, ABCs, oxygen, aspirin if no contraindications, assist with nitroglycerin if patient has it and BP >100, document vitals.