Volume 10, Issue 10: Traumatic pelvic injury

Traumatic pelvic injury – when to splint

It’s such a quiet morning, you were starting to think the radio wasn’t working when it roars into life – an 85-year-old female who has fallen in the garden. On arrival you are told that Amanda has not moved since she fell – how do you assess this patient?

CPD benefit

A pelvic fracture has the potential to be a life-changing or fatal injury for any patient but particularly the elderly, who may not present with the usual symptoms associated with shock and may also be at a higher risk of severe haemorrhage.

For pre-hospital clinicians these injuries can be complicated to assess. This article provides information about the anatomy of the pelvis and highlights key assessment points to consider, such as the mechanism of the patient’s injuries and any visible bruising or deformity to normal anatomy. It also gives useful guidance on assessing the need for immobilisation and which method of pelvic splitting to use in order to improve the long-term outcome for your patient.

Assessment Answers

You can check your answers to the quiz by clicking the link below:

Standby CPD Volume 10 & 11 – Assessment Answers