51 - Trauma - Traumatic Arrest

Question 1

T/F: In resuscitation of the adult trauma patient in full arrest, survival rates are extremely poor.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

In resuscitation of the adult trauma patient in full arrest, pts may be pronounced dead if what criteria are met?

Answer 2

• pulseless
• apneic
• unresponsive
• Medical control agrees with findings

(ALL after massive blunt/penetrating trauma)

Question 3

In resuscitation of the adult trauma patient in full arrest, under what circumstances should the receiving hospital be notified of a cardiac arrest in route and why?

Answer 3

If the initially pulsatile patient loses pulses.

To see if patient meets criteria for thoracotomy.