You are working in a level 1 Trauma Centre. You receive ambulance pre-notification regarding a 23-year-old male involved in a single vehicle high speed accident,striking a pole. The patient has abdominal injuries. He was intubated at the scene and has a single, large-bore IV cannula through which he has received 250mL of normal saline. He has been placed in a cervical collar and pelvic binder. His observations at the scene were :

  • Temp 34 Β°C
  • HR 160 bpm
  • BP 75/50 mmHg
O2 Saturations 99% FiO2 0.6
  • GCS 3 (E1, M1, V1)

Abdominal trauma

1. List the (3) components of the β€œLethal Triad of Trauma.” For each component list (2) actions you would take to prevent these from contributing to the patient’s morbidity and mortality. 9 marks

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜…

After your initial expert management, the vitals signs and haemodynamic status improve sufficiently to allow for safe transfer to the CT scanner

2. State (3) most important findings on his abdominal CT. 3 marks

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜…

3. In general, state (2) indications for angioembolization of any patient with the above injury. 2 marks

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜