Stop the bleed, treat for shock, protect the spine
⚠ DRAFT — entry-level awareness; not a substitute for a state-approved EMT course
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K
Coach Katie
Trauma calls move fast. Before anything else: scene safety and BSI, then find and fix the life threats — airway, breathing, and major bleeding. This is entry-level awareness to explore the work — the real skills happen in your course and skills lab.
Scope: An EMT works under medical direction. This module is exploration and didactic pre-training only. A career partner — a fire/EMS agency or college — supplies the state-approved course, skills labs, and field/clinical hours, and the NREMT exam seat.
Life threat #1
Control life-threatening bleeding
Uncontrolled major bleeding kills quickly. The current standard, in order:
Direct pressure first — firm, focused pressure right on the wound.
For a life-threatening extremity bleed that direct pressure won't control, apply a tourniquet high and tight above the wound.
Use hemostatic gauze with pressure for junctional wounds (groin, armpit, neck) or anywhere a tourniquet can't go.
Note the time a tourniquet is applied, and pass it on to the receiving crew or hospital. Tourniquet time matters.
Recognize it early
Shock (hypoperfusion)
Shock is inadequate perfusion — the body isn't getting enough oxygenated blood to the tissues. Catch it early, before blood pressure falls.
😰 Early signs
Anxiety/restlessness; pale, cool, clammy skin; fast weak pulse; rapid breathing.
⚠️ Later signs
Falling blood pressure; altered mental status — these are ominous and late.
Treat
Control bleeding (the most common cause of trauma shock).
Keep the patient warm.
Position appropriately per protocol.
High-flow oxygen if hypoxic.
Rapid transport.
Don't wait for blood pressure to drop to act. By the time BP falls, shock is well advanced.
Awareness
Spinal motion restriction
Decisions are based on the mechanism of injury (MOI) and your exam findings. Provide manual stabilization and minimize movement per protocol.
Modern practice is selective — spinal motion restriction is chosen based on MOI and findings, not automatic full immobilization for everyone. Follow your local protocol.
Awareness
Splinting basics
Immobilize the joint above and below the injury.
Check circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM)before and after you splint.
If a pulse or sensation is lost after splinting, reassess — the splint may be too tight or the limb malpositioned.
Put it together
The overall trauma priority
Scene safety (and BSI) first — protect yourself and the scene.
Life threats: airway, breathing, major bleeding.
Rapid transport for a serious mechanism of injury.
K
Coach Katie
Two calls. Pick the action that controls the life threat and follows the current standard.
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Coach Katie
Five questions. 75% to pass, then make your pledge.
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Coach Katie
Learning sticks when you commit to a next step. Pick at least two pledges you'll actually do.
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