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Geriatric Trauma

Trauma. Increased injury riskFallsCriminal acts. Head Injury. More prone, even from minor traumaIncreased ICP signs develop slowlyPatient may have forgotten injury. Cervical Injury. OsteoporosisIncreased injury risk with trivial accidentsArthritic changesNarrow spinal canalIncreased injury riskSudden movement may cause cord injury without fractureDecreased pain sensation may mask pain of fracture.

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Geriatric Trauma

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    1. Geriatric Trauma Temple College EMS Professions

    3. Head Injury More prone, even from minor trauma Increased ICP signs develop slowly Patient may have forgotten injury

    4. Cervical Injury Osteoporosis Increased injury risk with trivial accidents Arthritic changes Narrow spinal canal Increased injury risk Sudden movement may cause cord injury without fracture Decreased pain sensation may mask pain of fracture

    5. Respiratory System Aging decreases chest movement, ventilation capacity Respiratory reserve decreases Organs have less tolerance of anoxia

    6. Respiratory System COPD may be present Positive pressure ventilation may cause pneumothorax Hypoperfusion may cause severe tissue hypoxia

    7. Cardiovascular System Decreased cardiovascular reserve Move to decompensated, irreversible shock very rapidly Tolerate hypoperfusion poorly, even for a short periods

    8. Cardiovascular System Hypoperfusion may: Occur 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

    9. Musculoskeletal System Positioning/packaging may have to be modified to accommodate physical deformities Ask about preexisting conditions when splinting, packaging

    10. Environmental Emergencies Tolerate temperature extremes poorly Develop hypo/hyperthermia rapidly

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