West Coast EMT Chapter 24 -Trauma Overview

A 12-year-old male jumped approximately 12 feet from a tree and landed on his feet. He complains of pain to his lower back. What injury mechanism is MOST likely responsible for his back pain? Select one: A. Lateral impact to the spine B. Secondary fall after the initial impact C. Direct trauma to the spinal column D. Energy transmission to the spine - Answer - D. Energy transmission to the spine A 15-year-old female was struck by a small car while riding her bicycle. She was wearing a helmet and was thrown to the ground, striking her head. In addition to managing problems associated with airway, breathing, and circulation, it is MOST important for you to: Select one: A. leave her bicycle helmet on. B. obtain baseline vital signs. C. stabilize her entire spine. D. inspect the helmet for cracks. - Answer - C. stabilize her entire spine. A young male sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen during an altercation. As your partner is assessing and managing his airway, you should control the obvious bleeding and then: Select one: A. auscultate bowel sounds. B. assess for an exit wound. C. apply a cervical collar. D. obtain baseline vital signs. - Answer - B. assess for an exit wound. According to the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT), an adult trauma patient should be transported to the highest level of trauma center if he or she: Select one: A. was involved in a motor vehicle crash in which another patient in the same vehicle was killed. B. has a systolic blood pressure of less than 110 mm Hg or a heart rate greater than 110 beats/min. C. has a bleeding disorder or takes anticoagulant medications and has any blunt or penetrating injury. D. has a GCS score of less than or equal to 13 with a mechanism attributed to trauma. - Answer - D. has a GCS score of less than or equal to 13 with a mechanism attributed to trauma.