3-7 TRAUMA-NEAR DROWNING

Perform Initial Trauma Care per protocol.

EMR - Emergency Medical Responder

1. Assess and Maintain Scene Safety
   1. Removal from water should be performed by a trained rescuer with appropriate equipment
2. Assess for indications to withhold CPR.  If none, initiate CPR
3. Assess, secure and maintain an adequate airway via the airway management protocol.
   1. Apply appropriate C-spine stabilization for all diving or fall mechanisms, especially if the patient is unresponsive.
4. Apply high flow oxygen
5. Assess for Hypothermia

EMT - Emergency Medical Technician  Perform/Confirm All Above Interventions

1. Initiate transport. Any patient with even brief submersion should be transported to the hospital for assessment by a physician as they may develop delayed pulmonary edema.
2. Consider ALS Intercept
3. Assess for Spinal Injury.  Treat for Spinal Injury unless able to determine otherwise.
4. Treat for Hypothermia and Shock as necessary
5. Evaluate lung sounds and Contact MEDICAL CONTROL for consideration of initiation of treatment with:
   1. Albuterol (Ventolin) nebulizer if wheezing present
   2. CPAP if significant respiratory distress is present.
6. Apply cardiac monitor, if trained to do so.

AEMT – Advanced Emergency Medicine Tech   Perform/Confirm All Above Interventions

1.           Establish IV access at TKO and Contact MEDICAL CONTROL for fluid orders.

Intermediate - Perform/Confirm All Above Interventions

                          

Paramedic - Perform/Confirm All Above Interventions