Geriatric Trauma
Temple College EMS Professions
Trauma
Increased
Falls
injury risk
acts
Criminal
Head Injury
More
prone, even from minor trauma Increased ICP signs develop slowly Patient may have forgotten injury
Cervical Injury
Osteoporosis
Increased
injury risk with trivial accidents
Arthritic
Narrow
changes
spinal canal Increased injury risk Sudden movement may cause cord injury without fracture
Decreased
pain sensation may mask pain of fracture
Respiratory System
Aging
decreases chest movement, ventilation capacity Respiratory reserve decreases Organs have less tolerance of anoxia
Respiratory System
COPD
may be present
pressure ventilation may cause pneumothorax Hypoperfusion may cause severe tissue hypoxia
Positive
Cardiovascular System
Decreased
Move
cardiovascular reserve
to decompensated, irreversible shock very rapidly Tolerate hypoperfusion poorly, even for a short periods
Cardiovascular System
Hypoperfusion
Occur
may:
at “normotensive” pressures Lead to CVA, MI, bowel infarcts, renal failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome
Cardiac,
BP medications (beta blockers) may mask signs of shock
Musculoskeletal System
Positioning/packaging
may have to be modified to accommodate physical deformities Ask about preexisting conditions when splinting, packaging
Environmental Emergencies
Tolerate
temperature extremes poorly Develop hypo/hyperthermia rapidly