Simulation, Training and Research (STaR) shifts have recommenced at Bankstown this week with registrars putting each other through their paces with daily simulation.
Scenario – Road team attending a 70 year old male who has fallen 4-5m from his roof landing on his right side. He has sustained an obvious head injury with reduced consciousness and brisk scalp bleeding.
Scene – Male patient in right lateral position at base of wall. First-responder team arrived 5 mins earlier and applied a collar, placed an IV and have given IV ondansetron for “vomiting on several occasions”. They are struggling to control bleeding from a scalp laceration. Wife has just told paramedics he “only takes warfarin for AF”.
Patient – Obtunded with partial airway obstruction and a briskly bleeding right scalp laceration. Extensive right chest wall contusions with subcutaneous emphysema and reduced air entry. RR 28, SaO2 93%, P 105 (AF), BP 148/90, GCS 6. Pupils equal 4mm.
Learning points from debrief:
- Obtain observations as early as possible. This only helps to prioritise care and interventions.
- Optimise the environment to optimise your resuscitation. Move the patient to a safe location to make your care easier.
- Adopt neuroprotective measures post-RSI for all patients with traumatic brain injury. Don’t forget to reassess the pupils.
- Control brisk scalp bleeders if possible. Employ others to apply direct pressure & don’t forget that we carry staples !!
- If possible notify the receiving ED for potential need for early warfarin reversal (PCCs & FFP).
Thanks to Dan (Doc), Laurie (Para), Alex (SRC), Jimmy (trusty assistant #1), Keith (trusty assistant #2) & Chris (STaR).
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