Correct
Differentiate between internal and external forces of energy transfer in the context or trauma.
External forces are how energy can impact the body (e.g., deceleration, acceleration,
compression). Internal forces represent the ability of the body to withstand external forces.
How do internal forces protect the body from injury?
- Compression strength: ability of tissue to resist crush injury or force
- Tensile strength: ability to resist being pulled apart when stretched
- Shear strength: ability to resist a force applied parallel to the tissue
List four main types of traumatic injury
- Blunt trauma
- Penetrating trauma
- Thermal trauma
- Blast trauma
Examples of blunt trauma
Falls
MVA
Vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions
Assaults
*Can result from broad energy impacts across large surface areas and involve energy
transfer causing deceleration or acceleration
*Greater distance of transfer diminishes deleterious impacts, and the more focused the
impact, the greater the damage
Deceleration injuries
Occurs as energy is dispersed from the moving object
* The speed of an impact is often less significant than the distance over which the energy is
transferred Differentiate between deceleration and acceleration forces.
pg. 28
,What environmental and pathophysiologic factors are considered when the mechanism of
injury is a fall?
- Point of impact
- Type of surface that is hit
- Tissue's ability to resist - Acceleration
When is a fall considered significant in the pediatric patient?
If the fall is from three times his or her height
Describe the three impacts in the motor vehicle impact sequence.
1. Vehicle hits another object
2. Occupant hits interior of vehicle (energy of impacts limited by seatbelt and airbag)
3. Organs hit other internal structures
*Organs continue in motion and can be torn away from their attachments
Examples of penetrating trauma
- Gunshot
- Stab wounds
- Impalement - Cavitation
Define Cavitation
Separation of tissue resulting from a sound and/or hydraulic wave force
*the leading side of the projectile pushes a wave of high pressure, the trailing edge draws a
vacuum Examples of thermal trauma
...
Examples of blast trauma
- Overpressure - Dynamic pressure
What is overpressure?
Sudden change in atmospheric pressure caused by blast; can cause crushing forces
What is dynamic pressure?
, Directional, similar to a gust of wind. Can carry with it fragments and debris that are displaced
by explosion.
*Can carry fragment and debris at velocities exceeding those in high-velocity firearms
Primary MOI in blast trauma
Found in those closest to detonation; air filled organs most susceptible to rupture
Secondary MOI in blast trauma
Results from flying debris and bomb fragments; causes most casualties
Tertiary MOI in blast trauma
Results from individuals being thrown by the blast wind; high-energy transfer can result in
major thoracic injuries or pelvic/femur fractures
Quaternary MOI in blast trauma
Result from heat, flame, gas, and smoke
Quinary MOI in blast trauma
Result from radioactive, biological, or chemical elements present in explosion
Describe the usefulness of the Haddon Matrix in prevention and reduction of injury.
Places emphasis on countermeasures instead of changing human behaviors
Initial Assessment
- Preparation and triage
- Across the room observation to identify any uncontrolled external hemorrhage
- Primary survey
~ A: Airway and Alertness with simultaneous cervical spinal stabilization
~ B: Breathing and Ventilation
~ C: Circulation and Control of hemorrhage
~ D: Disability (neurological status)
~ E: Exposure and Environmental control
- Resuscitation adjuncts
~ F: Full set of vitals and Family presence
~ G: Get resuscitation adjuncts
- L: Labs and obtain blood for type & xmatch
- M: Monitor for continuous cardiac rhythm and rate assessment
- N: Naso- or orogastric tube consideration