Trauma and Injury Scenarios Flashcards

A caller reports a pregnant woman involved in a rear-end collision at highway speed who is conscious but complaining of abdominal cramping. What additional response should be dispatched?

Answer: ALS unit for potential placental abruption or fetal distress

High-energy trauma in pregnancy can cause placental abruption, which is life-threatening to both mother and fetus.

A caller reports an elderly male who fell and struck his head on a countertop. He is on warfarin. He appears alert but confused. Why is anticoagulant use critical information for the EMD?

Answer: Anticoagulants significantly increase risk of uncontrolled intracranial hemorrhage after head trauma

Warfarin prevents normal clotting, making even minor head trauma a risk for rapidly expanding intracranial bleeding.

A caller reports a worker with hydrofluoric acid splash on his forearm. He is in significant pain. What makes this chemical burn uniquely dangerous?

Answer: Fluoride ions penetrate deeply and can cause systemic hypocalcemia and cardiac arrest

Hydrofluoric acid penetrates tissue, binds calcium, and can cause fatal hypocalcemia and cardiac dysrhythmias even from skin exposure.

A caller reports a victim of a high-voltage electrical injury who is conscious but has entry and exit burn wounds on his hand and foot. What internal injuries should the EMD anticipate?

Answer: Cardiac arrhythmias and internal tissue destruction along the current path

High-voltage electricity travels through the body along conductance paths, destroying muscle, vessels, and nerves while also causing cardiac dysrhythmias.

During a multi-vehicle accident call, a caller reports one patient with 'blood everywhere' and another who is 'walking around and refusing help.' Under triage principles, who should receive EMS resources first?

Answer: The patient with significant hemorrhage who is not ambulatory

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is immediately life-threatening; ambulatory patients are triaged lower and addressed after critical patients.

A caller reports a teenage patient who was shot in the chest with an air rifle. The patient is conscious but breathing rapidly and becoming anxious. What serious condition should the EMD suspect?

Answer: Tension pneumothorax from penetrating chest trauma

Even low-velocity penetrating chest trauma can cause pneumothorax, and anxiety with rapid breathing suggests evolving tension pneumothorax.

A caller reports a patient trapped in a vehicle after a rollover accident with an active fuel leak. Bystanders want to cut the patient free. What should the EMD instruct?

Answer: Advise bystanders to keep the patient calm and not use anything that could spark until fire units arrive

Sparks near a fuel leak can ignite a fire or explosion; bystanders should avoid any spark-producing actions until fire/rescue arrives.