Chapter 3 of 516% of exam

Trauma

Trauma care focuses on controlling bleeding, treating shock, and preventing further injury. Rapid recognition and transport save lives.

Hemorrhage Control

Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading preventable cause of trauma death. A stepwise approach quickly controls most external bleeding.

Direct pressure first

Firm direct pressure controls most external bleeding.

Tourniquet for life-threatening limb bleeding

Apply if direct pressure fails or the bleed is immediately life-threatening.

Tighten until bleeding and pulse stop

A tourniquet must eliminate the distal pulse to fully stop arterial flow.

Record the application time

Document and report when the tourniquet was placed.

Shock (Hypoperfusion)

Shock is inadequate perfusion of the body's tissues. Early recognition allows treatment before blood pressure falls.

Recognize early signs

Rapid weak pulse; pale, cool, clammy skin; and anxiety appear before hypotension.

Falling BP is a late sign

The body compensates first, so low blood pressure indicates advanced shock.

Keep the patient supine and warm

Support perfusion, give oxygen, prevent heat loss, and transport rapidly.

Musculoskeletal & Burns

Fractures and burns require stabilization and protection from further harm. Neurovascular checks confirm circulation after splinting.

Splint and check PMS

Immobilize fractures and check pulse, motor, and sensation before and after.

Cover burns with dry sterile dressing

Avoid ointments, ice, or breaking blisters.

Estimate burns with the rule of nines

Gauges the percentage of body surface area burned to judge severity.

Stabilize impaled objects

Leave objects in place and pad around them unless they block the airway or CPR.

Head & Spine

Central nervous system injuries can worsen with movement or missed decline. Serial assessment detects deterioration.

Maintain in-line stabilization

Keep the head neutral for suspected spinal injury until immobilized.

Monitor mental status trends

Use AVPU or GCS and track changes; declining status is a red flag.

Assess pupils

Unequal or unreactive pupils may indicate serious brain injury.

Chest & Critical Transport

Serious chest injuries impair breathing and circulation. Certain findings demand immediate transport.

Seal open chest wounds

Apply an occlusive dressing and monitor for worsening breathing.

Recognize serious chest injury

Severe dyspnea with unequal chest rise after trauma needs rapid transport.

Prioritize rapid transport

EMTs cannot reverse major internal injury, so minimize scene time.

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Last updated: November 2026

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