Presentation Description:
Differentiating between major thoracic injuries can sometimes be a challenging process. An entertaining, but memorable method for approaching the scene size up will be introduced. Participants will also be provided with a simple, yet effective strategy for differentiating between tension pneumothorax, massive hemothorax, and pericardial tamponade.
Type of Session: Keynote session or general session
Intended Audience: ALS, BLS providers
Presentation Method:
– Lecture
– Case studies
– Interactive participant involvement
Presentation Length: 60 – 90 minutes
NCCP Category: Trauma Triage
Presentation Objectives:
- Participants will be able to repeat the elements of a scene size up.
- Participants will be able to differentiate between tension pneumothorax, massive hemothorax, and pericardial tamponade.
- Participants will be able to state the primary indicators for load-and-go situations during a trauma assessment.
What makes me qualified to present this topic?
- Lead Instructor for one of the largest accredited paramedic programs in the Rocky Mountain Region. Have refined and cultivated this presentation by teaching this subject within our curriculum to over 70 paramedic candidates annually.
- It has been my experience that differentiating between these chest injuries is typically straightforward when presented in the classroom. A disconnect seems to occur when correlating these concepts into actual field practice. I have developed a down-and-dirty system to more readily prepare EMS practitioners to differentiate between these chest injuries in their field practices.
- Authored an article on this topic for EMS World Magazine which is going through the final editorial process prior to publishing.