EMS Care Chapter 37 | Orthopedic Emergencies

EMS Care Chapter 37 | Orthopedic Emergencies comprise a wide variety of patient presentations, that discuss the entire human skeleton, the injuries, and its emergency treatment.  We subsequently explore  in-depth the following lessons:

• The Skeleton.
• Orthopedic Injuries.
• Patient Care.

Core Concepts covered :

• Incidence of Orthopedic Injury.
• Anatomy and Physiology.
• Mechanism of Injury – Orthopedic Injuries.
• Complications
• Description of Fractures.
• Dislocations
• Sprains or Strains.
• Specific Injuries.
• General Assessment and Management.
• Types of Splints

Important Notes

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An Excerpt from the course on Orthopedic Emergencies

While using these splints, keep in mind that the zipper can clog with dirt, freeze, or can stick. Also, significant changes in the weather or altitude can affect the air pressure in the splint.

The third type of splint is the traction splint that’s used primarily to secure femur fractures. While the idea of this splint is to pull a body structure towards its normal alignment, and this is why it’s best used to stabilize fracture fragments, align the limb sufficiently, and avoid potential neurovascular compromise.

In addition, the amount of traction applied should be roughly about 10 percent of the patient’s body weight, not exceeding 15 pounds.

Never use this splint for injuries of the upper extremity or those close to a moving knee. It’s also not a good choice for pelvic fractures, partial amputations, and injuries in the lower leg, foot, or ankle.

Finally, a pelvic binder is used to splint the pelvis and to reduce hemorrhage from bone ends, venous disruptions, and pain. It provides temporary stabilization.