Paramedics' perceptions and experiences of pelvic injuries in prehospital situations

Ward, Richard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8776-0824 , Berlin, Jenny, Jennings, Kath and Newton, Paul (2018) Paramedics' perceptions and experiences of pelvic injuries in prehospital situations. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 10 (11).

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Abstract

Mortality rates remain high in patients with pelvic injuries despite improvements in trauma care in recent years. Pelvic injuries are associated with patients with a high Injury Severity Score (ISS); it can therefore be difficult to distinguish whether the pelvic injury was a primary causative factor of mortality. ‘Open book’ fractures carry a mortality rate as high as 50% and clinicians should therefore have a low threshold for suspecting a pelvic injury. Paramedics should follow the latest guidance found in the UK Ambulance Service Clinical Practice Guidelines (Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC), 2016; 2017). Additionally, log rolling and/or ‘springing’ the pelvis of a patient with a pelvic injury will cause pain, disrupt clots and distort a potential fracture. Furthermore, pelvic binders/splints can reduce the area into which a patient can haemorrhage, if they are placed correctly. Lastly, triage of these patients can be difficult and major trauma centres should be considered for definitive care.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Journal of Paramedic Practice
Publisher:	MA Healthcare
ISSN:	2041-9457
Departments:	Institute of Health > Centre for Excellence in Paramedic Practice
Depositing User:	Richard Ward
Date Deposited:	17 Apr 2023 09:29
Last Modified:	26 Jan 2024 13:58
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/7041

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