Trauma Management Protocols: Abdominal to Dental Injuries

Trauma Management Protocols

Abdominal Trauma (T Abdominal)

Classification:

• Open: Projectile weapon injury (e.g., stab or gunshot).
• Closed: Contusion, attraction, or absorption of the blast force.

Signs and Symptoms: Abrasions (grazes), bruises, open wounds, stomach pain, nausea leading to vomiting (potentially including blood), ecchymosis (bruising).

First Aid (1st Aid): Perform the initial primary survey (CCA: Check Airway, Breathing, Circulation).

Spinal Trauma (T Spinomedular)

Signs and Symptoms: Motor deficits, sensory loss, incontinence, superficial pain perception changes.

First Aid (1os Aid): ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), assess respiratory function, assess cardiovascular function, and ensure complete immobilization.

Skull Trauma (T Skull)

Types:

• Closed: No break in the skull.
• Open: Fracture of the cranium.

Causes: Bumps and falls from height, physical aggressions, transit accidents, work-related, and domestic incidents.

Signs and Symptoms: Unequal pupil size, seizures, facial deformity, hematomas, unconsciousness, bradypnea (slow breathing), lack of coordination or clumsiness, severe headache, speech difficulties, blurred vision, stiff neck, vomiting.

First Aid (1os Aid): Call for emergency services. Check airway, breathing, and circulation. If the patient is conscious, stabilize the neck and head. Stop any bleeding. If there is a penetrating wound, apply direct pressure around the wound, do not remove impaled objects. Position the patient to the side if vomiting occurs. Apply ice to inflamed areas.

Nasal Trauma (T Nasal)

Types:

• Simple: Without resulting deformity requiring surgery.
• With Deformity: Requiring surgical correction.

Causes: Assaults, sports accidents, transit accidents, domestic incidents, falls in the elderly.

Symptoms and Signs: Pain or tenderness in the nose, nasal obstruction, swelling, visible deformity.

Complications: Hematoma, rhinosinusitis, infection, lacerations, persistent deformity, tear duct injury.

First Aid (1os Aid): Ensure the safety of the injured person. Instruct them to breathe through their mouth. Apply ice to the nose. Do not attempt to straighten the nose. Do not move the patient if skull or neck injury is suspected.

Ocular Trauma (T Ocular)

Types:

• Contusion (Closed): Blow damages tissue and blood vessels but does not break the skin.
• Open Contusion: Occurs after skin breakdown (laceration or penetration).

Causes:

• Closed: Foreign body impact on the surface.
• Open: Penetrating or perforating trauma.
• Chemicals: Acids, detergents, and irritants.
• Thermal Burns: Hot material, cigarettes, oil, water.
• Radiation: UV exposure.

Symptoms: Blurred vision, pain, burning sensation, excessive tearing.

Signs: Decreased visual acuity, abnormal pupil size, corneal staining.

First Aid (1os Aid): Examine the eye and check movement (especially in case of burns). Wash with saline solution. For superficial wounds, observe and apply a light bandage. If a foreign body is stuck in the cornea, do not attempt to remove it.

Dental Trauma (T Dental)

Types: Concussion, subluxation, fracture, displacement.

Signs and Symptoms: Swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums, fragmentation, or loss of tooth parts.

First Aid (1os Aid): Calm the patient. Examine the mouth. If a tooth is knocked out, retrieve it and place it in ice or milk (if available). Apply ice to the area of pain or swelling.