SPM 100 Clinical Skills Lab 4 C-Spine Immobilization, Hemorrhage Control and Simple Splinting Extremities Daryl P. Lofaso, M.Ed, RRT

Acceleration – Deceleration Blunt Trauma Acceleration – Deceleration MVC Falls Altercations

Penetrating Trauma GSW Stabs

Most Common Cervical Injuries Adult: C5 – C6 Child: C2 - C3

Brain Injuries: Direct Injuries: Indirect Injuries: MVC (Windshield) Blunt Head Trauma (Stick, Bat) Indirect Injuries: Airway (Obstruction) Decrease in perfusion (Hypotension)

Spinal Cord Injuries Paraplegia – paralysis of both legs Quadriplegia – paralysis of both arms & legs Hemiplegia – paralysis of arm and leg on the same side

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics 11,000 Americans suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury 56% are between the ages of 16 and 30 (average age: 31) 82% male and 18% female

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries MVC – 42.9% (Most common) Falls – 20.9% Violence-related – 17.8% Sports-related – 10.4% Other – 7.9% 2010 Annual Statistical Report, March 2011

Hemorrhage Control Direct Pressure Elevation Pressure Point Tourniquet (rarely used)

Class of Hemorrhage

Types of Splints Rigid Board Padded Board Air-Inflated Traction

Assessment Post Splint Placement Pain Numbness or tingling in hand or foot Fingers or toes are cool to touch, change in color Loss of movement in fingers or toes

Types of Fractures: Closed fracture Open Fracture Comminuted Fracture Avulsion Fracture Greenstick Fracture Torus Fracture

Professional Conduct Introduce yourself Explain the procedure / examination to the patient Ask the patient if they have any questions Cover the patient with a sheet. Only expose area examining while performing a procedure/examination