EMS Care EMT Chapter 24-MCIT-F3-2137 | Orthopedic Injuries
- Lesson 1: Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Assessment.
- Lesson 2: Long Bone and Joint Injuries.
- Lesson 3: Upper Extremity Trauma.
- Lesson 4: Lower Extremity Trauma.
- Lesson 5:Â Special Orthopedic Considerations.
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Excerpt from EMS Care EMT Chapter 24-MCIT-F3-2137 | Orthopedic Injuries
Neurovascular status remains our primary assessment concern. Check pulses distal to injuries, comparing strength bilaterally. Assess sensation in specific nerve distributions, noting any changes. Test motor function with-in pain limitations. Watch for signs of developing compartment syndrome, including pain with passive stretch. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds with-in a muscle compartment, typically following trauma or crush injury. The increasing pressure compromises blood flow and nerve function within that compartment, leading to tissue death if untreated. The classic signs include Pain out of proportion to the injury, Pallor, Paresthesia, Pulselessness, and Paralysis – though waiting for all signs to develop risks permanent damage. This requires continuous assessment of the injured area as compartment syndrome occurs over time, often developing hours after the initial injury. Early recognition through monitoring pain levels, especially pain on a passive stretch of involved muscles, is critical. Remember that neurovascular compromise requires immediate intervention and rapid transport.
Core Concepts & Takeaways
- Demonstrate proper assessment of musculoskeletal injuries using the dots method (Deformity, Open injuries, Tenderness, and Swelling) with 100% accuracy, including neurovascular status checks before and after immobilization.
- Correctly identify and classify different types of musculoskeletal injuries (fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains) based on assessment findings, and select appropriate immobilization techniques for each injury pattern.
- Perform a complete neurovascular assessment on injured extremities, including pulse checks, sensation testing, motor function evaluation, and monitoring for signs of compartment syndrome, documenting findings according to protocol.
- Successfully immobilize upper and lower extremity injuries using appropriate splinting materials while maintaining proper positioning, padding, and joint stabilization, ensuring neurovascular status is preserved throughout the process.
- Recognize and respond to at least five special patient considerations in orthopedic injuries, including pediatric growth plate concerns, elderly patient risks, multiple trauma priorities, and early warning signs of serious complications such as compartment syndrome and fat embolism.
Important Notes:
To get credit for this course, you must watch all the lessons in their entirety, the course review, and pass the quiz at the end with a score of 75% or better.
This Chapter falls under the Patient Treatment and Transport section of the NREMT Test
Course Curriculum
EMS Care EMT Chapter 24-MCIT-F3-2137 | Orthopedic Injuries
-
Lesson 0 – Chapter Introduction
02:45 -
Lesson 1 – Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Assessment
05:39 -
Lesson 2 – Long Bone and Joint Injuries
06:01 -
Lesson 3 – Upper Extremity Trauma
03:58 -
Lesson 4 – Lower Extremity Trauma
04:26 -
Lesson 5 – Special Orthopedic Considerations
05:39 -
Lesson 6 – Chapter Review
04:32 -
EMS Care EMT Chapter 24-MCIT-F3-2137 | Orthopedic Injuries | QUIZ
