EMT Trauma Patient Assessment and Management
Introduction
- Purpose: Evaluate ability to assess and manage trauma patients.
- Scenario: 24-year-old female ejected from a motor vehicle.
- Time: 10 minutes to complete assessment.
Initial Steps
- Scene Safety: Confirmed safe.
- Mechanism of Injury: Ejection from a vehicle.
- Patient Status: Solo patient, request ALS intercept, take full C-spine precautions.
Primary Assessment
- General Impression: 24-year-old female, ejected from vehicle.
- Level of Consciousness: Responds to painful stimuli.
Airway and Breathing (ABCs)
- Airway: Patent, no obstructions.
- Breathing:
- Rate: 30 breaths per minute
- Lung Sounds: Decreased breath sounds on the left side
- Action: Apply high-flow O2 via non-rebreather
Circulation
- Pulse: Weak radial pulse at 130 beats per minute
- Bleeding: Minimal, noted on lower leg
- Skin Condition: Pale, cool, diaphoretic
- Action: Treat for shock, prioritize transport
Secondary Assessment
- History: Unable to obtain due to patient's unconsciousness.
Head to Toe Examination
- Head/Face: Pupils equal and reactive to light, no ear fluid.
- Neck: No jugular venous distention (JVD) or tracheal deviation.
- Chest: Stable on palpation, painful response.
- Abdomen: Soft, non-tender.
- Pelvis: Stable.
- Legs:
- Upper legs: Painful on palpation
- Lower leg: Deformity noted
- Pedal pulses present
- Arms: Circulation present at wrists.
Management of Secondary Injuries
- Breath Sounds: Monitored with oxygen.
- Leg Injury: Managed with a backboard, which acts as a splint.
- Back: Check for additional injuries during transport.
Vitals
- Blood Pressure: 92/68
- Pulse: 108
- Respiratory Rate: 22
Reassessment
- Continuously monitor breath sounds, leg condition, and distal pulses.
- Reassess vital signs every 5 minutes due to critical condition.
Conclusion
- Ensure continued monitoring and reassessment.
This guide serves as a comprehensive summary of the patient assessment and management process for trauma cases, as demonstrated in the presented scenario.