OSCE Prep - Trauma

Question 1

Bandaging

Answer 1

Wound cover and support - wrap it around the affected area being careful not to compromise perfusion

Question 2

Slings

Answer 2

Support of injured arm or shoulder
Loop method - roll into a strip, make a big slip knot, tighten around hand and tie behind neck
Open method - longest side away from elbow, wrap either over or under arm and tie behind neck

Question 3

Splints

Answer 3

Indicated for fractures or dislocations of limbs or joints
SAM splints only for upper limbs
SAM splint - Mold around your own limb and bandage on - C, S, or T curve
Vacuum splint - wrap around injured limb and suck out air (ideally 2 officers)

Question 4

Cervical collar

Answer 4

Slide under neck with depression facing chin, velcro in place
Ideally 2nd officer provides MILS

Question 5

Femoral traction splint

Answer 5

Indicated for shaft of femur fracture, contraindicated for ankle or knee fracture or dislocation
Buckle goes around thigh, velcro around foot. Attach pole with black screw open. Extend by hand and tighten black screw. Loosen red screw, pull cord and tighten red screw. Optionally velcro with extra strap around other leg.

Question 6

Helmet removal

Answer 6

Ideally one officer provides MILS
Remove chin guard or strap. Flex the sides of the helmet laterally and ease off the head with minimum possible movement of the head

Question 7

Manual In Line Stabilisation

Answer 7

Support of the head to avoid further C-spine injury

Use both hands, one on either side of the head, to prevent movement

Question 8

Pelvic circumferential compression device

Answer 8

Indicated for method of injury that could cause pelvic fracture with any of these criteria: GCS <13, distracting injury, abnormalities in pelvic assessment, HR >100, or systolic <90
Contraindicated for suspected neck of femur fracture or hip dislocation

Ideally two officers for rolling
Fold half of the pelvic binder at 90 degrees, roll patient onto their side and tuck the binder underneath. Roll them onto their other side so the binder can be unfolded. Binder should sit over the hip bones. Trim excess (but not for OSCE). Place the velcro triangles over greater trochanters, use straps to tighten and velcro down.

Question 9

Combi-Carrier

Answer 9

Indicated for patient extrication and immobilisation
Ideally multiple officers for rolls
Unlatch the halves of the combi-carrier and use minimal rolls to slide each side under the patient. Latch the sides together and strap the patient securely to the carrier.