NREMT EMT 6: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology - The Skeletal System, Axial vs Appendicular, Major Bone Landmarks, Joints

What This Is: The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the framework of our body, made up of 206 bones that provide support, protection, and movement. Think of it like a house – the bones are the walls, and the joints are the doors and windows that allow us to move around. In an emergency, knowing the skeletal system can help us identify injuries and provide proper care.

Key Steps / Core Facts

• Axial vs. Appendicular Skeleton: The axial skeleton (skull, spine, ribcage) is like the central core of the house, while the appendicular skeleton (arms, legs, shoulders, hips) is like the outer walls and doors. (Think of it like a building's foundation vs. its exterior)
• Major Bone Landmarks: Know the location of key bones like the sternum (breastbone), xiphoid process (small bone at the bottom of the sternum), and the acromion process (shoulder blade).
• Joints: Joints are like doors and windows that allow movement. There are three types: synovial (freely movable), cartilaginous (slightly movable), and fibrous (immovable).
• Bone Fractures: A fracture is a break in a bone, like a cracked mirror. There are different types, including open (exposed to the outside) and closed (not exposed).
• Dislocations: A dislocation is when a bone is forced out of its normal position, like a door that's been pushed off its hinges.
• Red Flags: Be aware of signs like severe pain, swelling, or deformity, which can indicate a serious injury.
• Normal Bone Density: Bone density is like the strength of a building's walls. Normal bone density is around 1.0-1.2 g/cm³.
• Bone Age: Bone age is like the age of a building. It's the age of the bones, not the person's actual age.
• Cervical Spine: The cervical spine is like the neck of the house. It's a vulnerable area that requires special care.
• Thoracic Spine: The thoracic spine is like the middle section of the house. It's relatively stable, but still requires attention.
• Lumbar Spine: The lumbar spine is like the foundation of the house. It's strong, but can be vulnerable to injury.
• Pelvis: The pelvis is like the base of the house. It's a complex area that requires careful assessment.
• Ribcage: The ribcage is like the roof of the house. It protects vital organs and requires special care.

What Laypeople Can Do

• Check for Danger: Before helping someone, check for danger like oncoming traffic or fire.
• Call 911: If someone is injured, call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Provide Basic Care: If someone is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
• Keep the Person Calm: If someone is injured, try to keep them calm and still.
• Don't Move the Person: Unless the person is in immediate danger, don't move them until medical help arrives.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking a bone fracture is just a minor injury.
• Fix: Recognize the severity of the injury and seek medical help.
• Mistake: Not checking for other injuries when treating one.
• Fix: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify all potential injuries.
• Mistake: Not providing proper care for a spinal injury.
• Fix: Keep the person still and use a backboard to immobilize the spine.

Quick Practice Scenarios

1. A person falls and hits their head on the ground. What should you do first?

Answer: Check for danger and call 911. Reason: Head injuries can be serious, and medical help is needed.

1. A person is experiencing severe back pain after lifting a heavy object. What should you do first?

Answer: Have them lie down and apply heat or cold packs. Reason: Back pain can be a sign of a serious injury.

1. A person is bleeding from a cut on their arm. What should you do first?

Answer: Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Reason: Stopping the bleeding is crucial to prevent shock.

Last-Minute Exam Cram

• Normal bone density is around 1.0-1.2 g/cm³.
• Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing – start CPR.
• The cervical spine is the most vulnerable area of the spine.
• The thoracic spine is relatively stable, but still requires attention.
• The lumbar spine is strong, but can be vulnerable to injury.
• The pelvis is a complex area that requires careful assessment.
• The ribcage protects vital organs and requires special care.
• A fracture is a break in a bone, like a cracked mirror.
• A dislocation is when a bone is forced out of its normal position, like a door that's been pushed off its hinges.
• The axial skeleton is the central core of the body, like the foundation of a house.
• The appendicular skeleton is the outer walls and doors of the body, like the exterior of a house.
• Red flags for serious injury include severe pain, swelling, or deformity.