Thanks to Dr. Andrew Lohoar and Sue Benjamin for leading the discussions this month
Major points of interest:
A) How are we doing with calling Trauma Codes for qualifying cases?
In the past year, for cases qualifying for trauma team activation, Trauma Codes were called 80% of time.
If a Trauma Code was called, trauma note use increased to 90% and time to disposition to an ICE setting was significantly decreased.
Please review the attached updated SIMPLIFIED activation criteria.
B) End of year AWARDS – the “Crashys”
- ‘Crashy’ for the Busiest TTL of the Year with 17 cases …
P “I don’t see weak and dizzy patients” P
- ‘Crashy’ for the Most Trauma Intubations of the Year with 7 …
C “If he’s not move’n, I’m a tube’n” A
- ‘Crashy’ for the Most Trauma Chest Tubes of the Year with 3 …
T “Fetch me my scalpel” W
Congratulations to all (Sorry, there is no monetary gift associated with these awards!)
C) Head injury, combative and on methadone – this should be easy..
Not really. Post-intubation sedation and analgesia can be challenging. Key is to avoid starting medications that could potentially drop blood pressure at very high infusion rates, but we need sedation and analgesia promptly. Under-dosing analgesic is often the reason adequate sedation is a struggle. Bolus, then increase infusion. Repeat.
D) End-tidal CO2 is an important vital sign
Especially in intubated patients.
E) Pediatric head injury transfer for imaging
Reassessing these patients on arrival, prior to CT, may influence management.
If there has been worsening in clinical condition, neurosurgery can be pre-alerted.
If there has been complete resolution of symptoms, CT scan may be deemed unnecessary.
F) “Clearing C-spine” can’t be done remotely..
CT C-spine is not 100% sensitive for ruling out injury. If radiologist reports there is no significant abnormality seen, it is a CLINICIAN”S responsibility to examine the neck before removing c-collar. If there is discrepancy (elevated pain, tenderness or neurologic symptoms/signs) or inability to cooperate with exam, leave the collar in place.
Make it known c-spine has not been cleared.
G) Pelvic binders are not used to ‘treat’ the pelvic fracture
They are used to treat any hemodynamic instability caused by the fracture. If a patient is stable or has a pelvic fracture that is not likely causing significant bleeding, the binder can likely be loosened or removed.
A pelvic binder can exacerbate some fractures, such as lateral compression fractures. Orthopedics should be assisting with this decision.
H) ‘Shock’ dosing of sedatives
Hypotension is not good for damaged neurons.
Shocked patients should have 1/2 dose of induction agents during RSI.
