EMT

EMT covers the essential skills and knowledge required for emergency medical technicians to provide critical care in emergency situations.

Introduction to Emergency Medical ServicesPatient Assessment and Primary SurveyBasic Life Support (BLS) Skills
Trauma Care and ManagementMedical Emergencies and Special PopulationsPatient Transport and Communication
Scene Safety and Personal ProtectionHands-On BLS and Airway ManagementReal-World Emergency Scenarios
Mastering Multiple-Choice ExamsStaying Calm Under Pressure
Introduction to Emer...Patient Assessment a...Basic Life Support (...Trauma Care and Mana...Medical Emergencies ...Patient Transport an...Scene Safety and Per...Hands-On BLS and Air...Real-World Emergency...Mastering Multiple-C...Staying Calm Under P...
Advanced Topics

Trauma Care and Management

Understanding Trauma

Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability. EMTs must quickly recognize and manage injuries from accidents, falls, violence, and disasters.

Types of Trauma

  • Blunt Trauma: Caused by impacts or falls, often resulting in internal injuries.
  • Penetrating Trauma: Injuries from objects piercing the body, such as stab or gunshot wounds.

Trauma Assessment

EMTs use a structured approach:

  1. Scene Safety: Make sure the area is safe.
  2. Mechanism of Injury: Determine how the injury happened.
  3. Rapid Primary Survey: Identify life threats.
  4. Control Bleeding: Use direct pressure, tourniquets, or dressings.
  5. Immobilize Injuries: Prevent further harm to the spine or limbs.

Critical Interventions

Prompt care, such as stopping severe bleeding and stabilizing fractures, can be life-saving. EMTs also monitor for shock and initiate rapid transport when needed.

Examples

  • Treating a cyclist who collided with a car by controlling bleeding and splinting a broken leg.

  • Stabilizing a fall victim’s neck and spine before moving them onto a stretcher.

In a Nutshell

Trauma care requires fast, organized action to prevent death and disability.

Key Terms

Blunt Trauma
Injury from impact without breaking the skin.
Penetrating Trauma
Injury from an object entering the body.
Shock
A life-threatening condition where organs don't get enough blood flow.
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Medical Emergencies and Special Populations