Pathophysiology Of Trauma

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Shock and the Trauma
Pathophysiology, Pre-Hospital treatment, In-Hospital Treatment, Statistics
Sydney A. Mackelfresh
Tyler Junior College

Sydney A. Mackelfresh EMT-Basic
Sydney A. Mackelfresh is now a Tyler Junior College Paramedic Student

Abstract This paper includes research and findings from multiple different on and offline sources, in regards to trauma and shock. The purpose of this essay is to explain, in depth, the pathophysiology of shock, pre-hospital treatment and in-hospital treatment for shock due to trauma patients, differentiation between adult and pediatric patients, as well as morbidity and mortality rates of both conditions. I will be using information found in Nancy Caroline’s Emergency Care in the Streets …show more content…
During hypovolemic shock, initial peripheral vasoconstriction begins in order to shunt blood from the periphery to the central circulatory system maintain perfusion the vital organs, i.e. heart, lungs and brain. In response to a drop in systemic blood pressure, the heart will become tachycardic to increase cardiac output in an effort to maintain perfusion. Heart rate may be the only altered vital sign initially. If too much blood is lost without intervention, hemorrhagic shock may lead to irreversible tissue damage and death. Pre-Hospital Trauma Treatment Pre-hospital treatment for trauma patients includes a number of things. First being to check for immediate life threats. The paramedic needs to ensure that the patient has a patent airway. If the patient is not breathing well enough on his or her own, the next step would be to insert the appropriate adjunct, including intubation. Oxygen saturation should be closely monitored for deterioration. Lung sounds should be continually assessed for crackling, or fluid in the lungs, indicating a possible pneumothorax, or hemothorax. In the case of a pneumothorax, needle decompression should be …show more content…
Patients are given blood thinners to avoid clotting, if they are immobile. Physical therapy will be implemented for days, months, or years following the injury to allow patients to regain their sense of independence and their strength. The goal is to get patients as close to normal as they were before the traumatic injury.
Incidences in the United States Approximately 17% of Americans experience some form of trauma every year. 47% of those injuries are fatal. Approximately 8% of Americans experience hypovolemic shock in some form every year. 36% of those patients die. Mortality and Morbidity According to the Center for Disease control and Prevention, trauma is the number one reason for death and disability in the United States. Trauma can cause serious and life altering injuries. Injuries as small as a finger amputation all the way to large injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury and paraplegia, can all be forever life changing. According to the National Trauma Institute, hypovolemic shock is the second most common reason for death in a traumatic event. Some bleeding is undetectable and will be fatal before it is even
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