FA: disability conditions

Question 1

signs & symptoms of head injury

usually in conjunction with c-spine injury

Answer 1

• event history (impact to head)
• cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) discharge from nose/ears
• raccoon eyes: dark blue/purple bruises on upper/lower eyelids
• battle sign: large bruise behind ears
• confusion/altered state of consciousness
• vomiting

Question 2

treatment for head injury

Answer 2

1. early evacuation
2. manage C-spine: open C-spine with jaw thrust and immobilise. perform log roll only if necessary.
3. treat secondary injury and monitor vitals.

Question 3

signs & symptoms of heat injury

Answer 3

• confusion
• muscle spasms
• sweating/nausea
• event history (dehydration/exposure to warm/humid environment)
• giddiness/fever

Question 4

treatment for heat injury

Answer 4

1. early evacuation, esp heat stroke
2. cool casualty down
   - bring to sheltered area or provide shade with umbrella
   - remove or unbutton clothing if appropriate
   - offer casualty water/isotonic drink if they’re alert and conscious
   - (for rapid cooling) 6 points of cooling: apply ice packs/cool towels/cold water to 2 points on the neck, under the armpits, and on the inner thighs
3. (for muscle spasms/heat cramps) assist casualty with stretching affected area
4. monitor vitals for signs of deterioration, watch out for cardiac arrest

info by drowsy cas may be less detailed/accurate, use combination of subjective & objective data