We’ve all heard the legends of trauma care. “ABCs vs. CABs!”, “Mechanism of Injury Matters!”, “Never remove a dressing!”, “Hyperventilate that head injury!” But what happens when what you were taught no longer matches what science says? Taking a look at the Top Ten Trauma Myths and Legends, this program evaluates the strength of the science behind each recommendation as well as how they might be implemented in different EMS systems. Getting past “we’ve always done it this way,” attendees will return home well-equipped to open up discussions about trauma care in their systems beyond, “This is what I was taught in class.” and “I read this study once.”

14. Trauma
Treatment
A
B
C

19. Hypothermia
Hypocoagulability
H+ Acidosis
< 95 deg
pH <7.2
Lactate > 5

30. “While tourniquets have been a focus of
hemorrhage control training, they are not the only
intervention, which also includes pressure
bandages, wound packing, and hemostatic
dressings, and it is essential to recognize that in
virtually all instances, all that is needed to
adequately control hemorrhage is 2 hands and the
application of direct pressure; this is particularly
true for extremity wounds, for which tourniquets
are recommended.”

31. Detect
Direct Pressure
Devices

32. Tourniquet
Clotting Gauze
Pressure Bandage

49. 2nd Intercostal Space
Mid-clavicular Line
4.5 cm
57.5%

60. https://www.flickr.com/photos/29233640@N07/5088892415

73. Shock Index

86. Collar increases ICP
and airway challenges

108. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22458831@N04/3676369069/