Bones, Muscle & Soft Tissue Injuries
Bones - Fractures & Dislocations
Can be difficult to diagnose type of fracture so use the terms open or closed fracture. Treat all dislocations as fractures as these may also present with a dislocation.
Signs and symptoms
Deformity, swelling, grating of bones, bruising, restricted movement, instability.
Internal bleeding in closed fractures, external bleeding in open fractures.
Treatment
Stop bleeding if present.
Treat for shock.
Protect from infection if open wound.
Immobilize or splint in most comfortable position.
Angulated long bone fractures are not to be straightened.
Check circulation to the extremities.
Protect airway in unconscious casualty.
Do not attempt to reduce a dislocation.
Call Expedition Supervisor & Emergency Services.
Soft Tissue - Strains & Sprains
Signs and Symptoms
Pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising.
Treatment
Use the acronym: RICE
REST – Do not allow casualty to apply weight.
ICE – Apply a cold compress/ice for 10 mins.
COMPRESSION – Leave walking boot on.
ELEVATION – Raise injured area to reduce swelling.
Spinal Injuries
Signs and Symptoms
Pain, tenderness, deformity of spine, numbness, casualty reluctant to move, weakness, tingling, paralysis, lack of sensation or movement in limbs.
Treatment
Protect airway – if you have help, perform a log roll keeping head and body aligned.
Call Expedition Supervisor & Emergency Services.
Chest & Head Injuries
Chest Injury
Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, coughing up of bright red & frothy blood, pain, bruising, air under skin.
Place casualty injured side up in Recovery Position and call Emergency Services.
Concussion
Disruption to mental function as brain is shaken. Headache, disorientation, dizziness, loss of short-term memory, nausea, unequal pupils.
Monitor vital signs of casualty for 48 hours and do not leave unattended.
Compression
Pressure on the brain due to internal bleeding or fracture. Failure to regain consciousness, headaches, nausea, disturbance in vision, fits, slurred speech, noisy or irregular breathing, irregular slow and weak pulse.
Place in Recovery Position.
Call Emergency Services.