Family has called you for a 78-year-old female with a history of dementia, because she appears more confused than normal. The primary assessment reveals no life-threatening conditions. Her vital signs are pulse, 88 beats/min; respirations, 22 breaths/min; blood pressure, 134/66 mmHg; and SpO2, 95% on room air. Aside from the dementia, the patient has a history of hypertension, COPD, and breast cancer, which resulted in the removal of her right breast 11 years ago. Lately, she has had an upper respiratory infection and is telling family that she has a headache. Your first question to family should be:

Multisystem trauma is a serious injury that affects more than one body system. When a patient with multisystem trauma arrives at the ER, triage is important. Triage involves assigning degrees of urgency to the patient's injuries.  The most critical EMT task for a multisystem trauma patient is immediate stabilization and swift transfer to a trauma center. This includes: Focusing on spinal protection Stopping major bleeding Maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation Continuously monitoring vital signs and consciousness  Immediate priority is given to airway control and to maintenance... Show more

Multisystem trauma is a serious injury that affects more than one body system. When a patient with multisystem trauma arrives at the ER, triage is important. Triage involves assigning degrees of urgency to the patient's injuries. 

The most critical EMT task for a multisystem trauma patient is immediate stabilization and swift transfer to a trauma center. This includes:
Focusing on spinal protection
Stopping major bleeding
Maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation
Continuously monitoring vital signs and consciousness 

Immediate priority is given to airway control and to maintenance of ventilation, oxygenation, and perfusion. Cervical spine protection is crucial during airway assessment and manipulation.

Show less