24. Prehospital guidelines on in-water traumatic spinal injuries for lifeguards and prehospital emergency medical services: an international Delphi consensus study
CEUs: 2 Clinical
Average read time: 15 to 20 minutes
Short Summary of the Article:
The article titled “Prehospital Guidelines on In-Water Traumatic Spinal Injuries for Lifeguards and Prehospital Emergency Medical Services” discusses the development of standardized prehospital guidelines for handling in-water traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) by lifeguards and EMS personnel. Using a Delphi consensus process involving international experts, the study aimed to establish a set of recommendations and a flowchart to guide spinal motion restriction (SMR) practices. The study emphasizes the importance of prompt, safe rescue and the avoidance of spinal immobilization when there is imminent danger, such as drowning. The result is 25 consensus recommendations and a flowchart, which aims to help standardize TSCI management across different regions and EMS systems.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this activity, you should have an understanding of:
- The importance of scene safety and risk assessment in water rescues involving suspected spinal cord injuries, ensuring that the safety of both the rescuer and the patient is prioritized.
- The conditions under which spinal motion restriction (SMR) should be performed and when it should be avoided, particularly in cases where the patient is in danger of drowning.
- Clear guidelines on how to manage in-water traumatic spinal cord injuries using a flowchart that received strong consensus from international experts.
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Earned Point(s): 0 of 0, (0) What is the primary concern when handling a patient face-down in the water with suspected spinal cord injury? pg 3 True or False: Lifeguards are always required to apply spinal motion restriction in drowning cases. pg 3 What factor should lifeguards assess before attempting a water rescue involving suspected spinal injuries? pg 4 Which method should be used to assess an altered level of consciousness in patients with suspected in-water TSCI? pg 6 True or False: Spinal motion restriction should always be performed if the patient is suspected of spinal injury. pg 4 What should lifeguards do when they suspect in-water spinal cord injury and cannot perform spinal motion restriction? pg 6 In which conditions is it unsafe to attempt spinal motion restriction in the water? pg 6 Which cervical spine levels are most commonly affected by in-water TSCI? pg 2 True or False: Spinal motion restriction should always be performed with at least three lifeguards. pg 5 Which patient population is most commonly affected by in-water TSCI? pg 2 Which of the following should be considered when performing a rescue in challenging aquatic environments? pg 4 What should be the priority when rescuing an unconscious patient from water? pg 6 What should be used to perform in-water extrication of a patient with suspected TSCI? pg 7 Which of the following should lifeguards do first when encountering a face-down victim in water? pg 6 What percentage of neurological injuries such as paralysis can occur in in-water TSCI? pg 2
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