10 phrases to remember during a multidisciplinary response to an accident

Victims involved in environments of ACCIDENTS, FIRES, STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, or POLYTRAUMA PATIENTS are individuals who, in many cases, require a multidisciplinary response (Firefighters-Healthcare Workers) to provide them with quality medical assistance. Therefore, providing help becomes essential, but never forgetting that our intervention must be carried out within a safety framework for both responders and the victim themselves.

But what should we keep in mind during multidisciplinary care?

• Do not move on to the next level without having resolved the previous one.
• The absence of a carotid pulse requires starting CPR maneuvers.
• It may be necessary to establish IV access prior to ‘C’ to administer medications (e.g., for ETT/IOT).
• Hemorrhage is the most common cause of shock in polytrauma patients.
• Definitive treatment of shock is hospital-based.
• Aggressive volume resuscitation should not be performed.
• Young individuals may not show tachycardia or hypotension until losing 30% of blood volume.
• Evidence is sparse for the use of corticosteroids in acute spinal cord injury.
• Never forget to always provide analgesia and sedate if necessary.
• Reassess.