Watch the links below, observe how the body reacts to the forces generated from the different types of wrecks. What injuries do you think you might find on each of the vehicles occupants?
Link: Rollover no seatbelt
Link: Side impact
Link: Multi-vehicle Collision
Patient Care
Being able to recognize that a patients condition is deteriorating early is a crucial component of patient care.
Establishing baseline vitals should occur after a general impression has been formed the rapid trauma assessment completed. Vital signs should be rechecked every 3-5 minutes until the patient is extricated and patient care has been transferred to LCA. Extreme changes in the patients vitals may indicate reduced systemic perfusion due to blood loss (internal or external), traumatic damage to the respiratory system or other vital organs. These changes indicate a need to reassess patient priority and may reflect the need to expedite the extrication process.
In addition to vital signs, a patients exterior appearance often reflects problems that are taking place internally. This is why it is so important to observe not only the patients vital signs but their appearance and demeanor as well.
Some signs that the patient’s condition is deteriorating include:
- Personality changes
- Diaphoresis (Sweating)
- Ashen in color
- Shaking or complaining of being cold
- Cyanosis (Blue in color)
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