Newton, Paul ORCID: 0000-0002-8525-6763 , Berlin, Jenni, Ward, Richard and Jennings, Kath (2018) Paramedics' perceptions and experiences of pelvic injuries in prehospital situations. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 10 (11). ISSN 2041-9457 (doi:https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2018.10.11.468)

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Abstract

In recent years there has been an increase in pelvic injuries due to an increase in road traffic collisions (RTCs) (Chesters 2017). Two thirds of pelvic injuries are due to RTCs and the remainder are made up of pedestrian collisions, motorcycle accidents and falls from heights. Patients with fatal pelvic injuries more than likely die of exsanguinations and/or associated severe injuries (ibid.). Lee & Porter (2007) undertook a literature review to analyse the current practice of assessing and managing pelvic injuries in pre-hospital situations. They write that the mortality rates of patients with pelvic fractures are estimated between 7% and 19%, upon their arrival at hospital. The mortality rates of patients with ‘open book’ fractures can be as high as 50%. An ‘open book’ fracture can be defined as any serious fracture that causes the pelvic ring to open like a book. This is commonly seen in anterior injuries to the pelvis widening the pubic symphysis (Gerecht, Larrimore & Steuerwald 2014). Lee and Porter (2007) argue that paramedics can help reduce the retroperitoneal space that a patient can haemorrhage into, and therefore lower the mortality rates for patients with ‘open-book’ pelvic fractures. Given the high mortality rates associated with pelvic injuries and the role paramedics can play in reducing these outcomes, the aim of this narrative review is to synthesize existing literature about pelvic injury recognition, assessment and management in pre-hospital situations. The authors will also conclude upon any new insights or recommendations found following the review.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	prehospital, pelvic injuries, review
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA) Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Health & Society Research Group
Last Modified:	16 May 2019 14:42
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/20216

Available Versions of this Item

• Paramedics' perceptions and experiences of pelvic injuries in prehospital situations. (deposited 03 Jul 2018 11:29) [Currently Displayed]
  • Paramedics’ perceptions and experiences of recognising, assessing and managing pelvic injuries in pre-hospital situations: a narrative review. (deposited 21 Jun 2024 14:31)

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