Spinal Motion Restriction
Trauma PEARLS
My Symptoms are...
Bleeding Control
100

GCS 15, no drugs/alcohol, isolated tibia fracture with no other complaints. Immobilize?

No, this patient does not require spinal immobilization

100

Pediatric patients have a high risk of injury if they fall this far

Twice their height

100

This type of fracture occurs when the bone breaks and pierces through the skin, posing a higher risk of infection

"Compound" or "Open" fracture

100

This type of bleeding occurs when an artery is injured, causing blood to spurt out in rhythmic pulses

Artery or Arterial Bleeding

200

This important step is performed when immobilizing a patient on a backboard to prevent spinal movement and ensure comfort

Padding voids with blankets or towels

200

This condition, where the body’s temperature drops below normal, can impair clotting and increase the risk of continued bleeding in trauma patients.

Hypothermia or low temperature

200

This condition occurs when the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen, often leading to symptoms like confusion, rapid breathing, and cyanosis.

Hypoxia or low oxygenation

200

This specialized gauze is used to control severe bleeding by promoting clot formation when direct pressure alone is insufficient

Hemostatic gauze

300

This type of injury involves damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of injury.

Spinal Cord Injury

300

This is the first thing an EMS provider must assess when they arrive at the scene of a trauma patient.

Safety

300

Closed deformity of the upper thigh after a high velocity trauma

Mid-shaft femur fracture

300

Recommended action when a patient experiences severe, life-threatening extremity bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure alone

Apply a tourniquet

400

Ground level falls in the elderly are likely to result in...

Spinal Fractures

400

What is the goal SpO2 for a trauma patient withOUT respiratory distress

> 94%

400

This condition involves the blockage of a blood vessel in the brain, leading to sudden neurological symptoms like weakness, slurred speech, or facial drooping.

Stroke

400

This is the first and most effective method for controlling bleeding in most trauma patients before advanced interventions are considered

Direct Pressure

500

An intoxicated high speed MVC patient who is acting drunk says they don't have any pain. Do they need immobilization?

Yes

500

Altered mental status patients should always have this checked as it may cause confusion or erratic behavior. 

Blood sugar aka Glucose

500

This life-threatening injury involves the penetration or disruption of the chest cavity, often leading to collapsed lung(s) (Medical Term)

Pneumothorax 

500

A person with this severe bleeding might experience this type of shock, which can cause their blood pressure to drop dangerously low.

Hypovolemic Shock