Monday, December 9, 2024
Trauma Week started with an intense and unforgettable scenario. Our guest for the day was Gavin, acting as the injured patient, alongside Chief Ben McKenna, three EMTs, and two medics who guided us through the process. The setting was a hunting camp where a 17-year-old female had been in an ATV accident. The scene felt eerily real as they worked to manage her condition. She was unconscious with labored breathing, and their initial assessment revealed a deformity on the left side of her lung. With a pulse and breathing present, they prioritized stabilizing her while holding c-spine to prevent further injury.
The urgency in the room was palpable as they moved quickly to secure her airway and stop any major bleeding. Her blood pressure was alarmingly low at 86/40, with a rapid heart rate between 100-130 bpm. What concerned them most was her unequal and dilated pupils, a sign of potential head trauma or severe injury. Oxygen was administered immediately to improve her breathing, and their team prepared for critical interventions to stabilize her condition.
The decision was made to perform a needle decompression. This involved drilling into the chest cavity at the mid-axillary region to relieve pressure and allow the lung to re-inflate. Watching this procedure reinforced just how fragile and complex the human body is. They had to monitor her breath sounds constantly, knowing the relief would only last three to five minutes before requiring reassessment.
Finally, intubation and IV lines were established to ensure she had adequate oxygenation and fluid support. These interventions underscored the critical nature of teamwork and swift decision-making in trauma care. By the end of the session, I felt a mix of adrenaline and respect for the professionals who navigate these high-pressure situations daily. Day one was both eye-opening and humbling, setting the tone for a challenging Trauma Week.
Chief McKenna did an amazing job walking us through each step as rescue reacted and even afterwords, made a point to make sure he thoroughly answered each of our questions. Everyone involved was great and played an amazing part into this scene. Fake or not, it gives us a peak into the life of these men (pictured at the top) and what their could be like.
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