Question

Tomas is a 59yom, booked for collection from home to rehab centre. Booking information indicated he is a paraplegic. On arrival you are met by his wife who informs you that just 5 mins ago, the patient lost control of his wheel chair on a down ramp at the rear of the house and collided with a cement pillar, his right forearm taking the brunt of the impact as he tried to stop himself. He is still sitting in his wheel chair but is complaining loudly 'that it hurts!! and its probably broken!' and is holding his arm. He appears fully orientated and responds to your questions but with a painful grimace. On examination you find all Vital Signs with range for non emergency transport.

Communications to Base direct you to attend to the injury and take him to his destination where a medical practitioner will assess him. It should be noted that a pathway leading from back yard down the side of the front of the house is made of pavers which are uneven and broken in sections. The owners have 4 small-medium size yappy dogs that are kept in the backyard.

QUESTION 1:

List the patients needs

List all the equipment that will be required to meet the needs of this patient

List 3 potential hazards at the scene that you will need to be aware of and the consequent behaviour or actions to avoid(divert)/manage the hazards and the risks all concerned.

Answer 1

1. List patient needs:

1. Control if any bleeding, dressing for open wound.

2. Check distal pulse

3. Apply slight traction: if splinting long bone in arms and legs if injury to the joints.

4. Recheck distal pulse after splinting.

5. Rest

6. Ice application

7. Compression

8. Elevation

9. Assist in ambulation

10. Shift to emergency medical service.

II. Equipments:

1. Pressure dressing bandage

2. Ice

3. Splinting device( padded splint)

4. Supports maintain stability

5. Broad bandage

6. Shifting ambulance/ wheel chair

III.potential hazards

• Limitations in mobility and undertaking the activities of daily living.
• Impaired walking patterns (gait)
• Impaired balance.
• Visual impairment.
• Reduced muscle strength.
• Poor reaction times.