Trauma Falls

Trauma Falls – Pearls & Pitfalls for Special Populations

emDocs - February 04, 2019 - Authors: Neofitidis D, Uribe J and Waseem M

Edited by: Koyfman A and Long B

"Pearls

1. Begin with ABCs, bedside glucose level and possibly Naloxone if overdose suspected, expose patient for complete evaluation.
2. Remember there are both medical and trauma chameleons to alcohol intoxication.
3. Obtain alcohol level if diagnosis of alcohol intoxication is in question or if mental status is not improving after a few hours of observation.
4. If head trauma is minor, deferring CT brain may be reasonable with frequent monitoring, but use your clinical gestalt.
5. If CT C-spine is negative and no gross motor deficit on exam, cervical collar can be cleared.
6. Look to the hospital policy regarding disposition of intoxicated patients."