EMS: Pool Accident

Learner will arrive on-scene to find an 18-year-old male unresponsive patient with a bleeding head wound lying next to a pool in the backyard. Learner should perform an initial assessment, identify no pulses, initiate CPR, apply a defibrillator, and identify the patient is in PEA cardiac arrest. A cervical collar should be placed to protect the c-spine. Learner will gather history from the bystander identifying that the patient sustained a head injury while attempting to do a backflip into the pool and had to be pulled out. Ultimately, after delivering CPR and ventilation by bag-valve mask, the patient will have ROSC and should be transported to the nearest trauma center hospital for definitive care. On ROSC, the patient is moving upper extremities, but is not moving lower extremities.

Learning Objectives

– Assesses scene, identifying any potential safety concerns, number of patients, presence of bystanders, and additional resources available

– Conducts primary survey and obtains vital signs with attention to the following:
a. Determines level of consciousness and identifies mental status impairment
b. Identifies any signs of airway obstruction, hypoxia, or any observable breathing difficulties
c. Identifies any profuse bleeding, signs of decreased or absent circulation, or any pulse deficits in extremities

– Performs immediate interventions to address concerns identified during the primary survey

– Determines priority of transport

– Conducts a secondary survey to gather additional pertinent HPI and PMH and conduct a focused physical exam

– Performs any necessary medical interventions to ensure patient stability and safety during transport

– Contacts Medical Direction when indicated

– Provides verbal report summarizing patient encounter