If you see a cracked windshield in a MVC... what will the pt represent with?
Bruised or lacerated head or face. Brain injury, *cervical spine injury
... [Show More] (always until proven otherwise), tracheal injury.
If you see a deformed steering column in a MVC... what will the pt represent with?
Bruised neck, bruised chest. Sternal or rib fracture, flail chest, myocardial contusion, *pericardial tamponade, pneumo/hemothorax, aortic tear.
If you see a deformed dashboard in a MVC... what will the pt represent with?
Bruised abdomen, bruised knee, misplaced kneecap. Ruptured spleen, liver, bowel, diaphragm. Fractured patella, dislocated knee, *femoral fracture, dislocated hip.
Phases of Deceleration
1) Deceleration of the vehicle, occurs when the vehicle strikes another object & comes to a stop. 2) Deceleration of occupant, which starts during sudden braking & continues through the whole crash. 3) Deceleration of internal organs, that consist of internal organs that continue forward momentum until they're stopped by anatomical restraints. 4) Secondary collisions, which occur when a vehicle occupant is hit by objects moving within the vehicle (loose objects). 5) Additional impacts, that the vehicle may receive when it is hit by a second vehicle or is deflected into another.
Seat Belt Use
All arguments against seat belt use are unfounded.
Primary Blast Injury
Injuries due to the wave blast itself, usually causing damage to the lungs, eardrums and other compressible organs (air filled cavities). Burns also may occur.
Secondary Blast Injury
Injuries due to missiles being propelled by blast force (struck by flying debris).
Tertiary Blast Injury
Injuries due to body impact with another object (when a person is hurled by the force against stationary objects).
Perfusion
Circulation of blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the cells needs.
Autonomic Nervous System
Monitors the body's needs from moment to moment, adjusting the blood flow as required. Maintains homeostasis & is divided into the parasympathetic & sympathetic components that oppose each other and keep vital functions in balance.
Compensated Shock (Phase 1)
Tachycardia, NORMAL BP, thirst, anxiety, clammy/cool skin.
Decompensated Shock (Phase 2)
AMS, DROP IN BP, thready/absent peripheral pulse, labored or irregular breathing.
Wet Dressing
Used for small, superficial burns.
Rhabdomyolysis
The destruction of muscle tissue leading to a release of potassium and myoglobin.
Chemical Burns
Flush the area off with water, remove pt's clothing & jewelry.
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
Is found in drain cleaner, and for etching glass, and in industrial settings. Pt will complain of burning, and will not stop with copious amounts of flushing. Calcium chloride will work to relieve the pain/burning.
How to assess a electrical injury...?
The first thing is to protect yourself and bystanders. If powerlines are down on a car, you tell your pt to remain in the car and do not go near it. [Show Less]