Case Study- Lower Limb Injury

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Oxford Brookes University Human Life Science for Paramedics Word Count: 2812 The aim of this assignment is to detail the appropriate care and assessment tools required for the treatment of a 74 year old female patient who has fallen. The potential injuries and interventions required and the mechanism of the repair process to both bone and soft tissue injuries in relation to the elderly patient will also be discussed. Figures released by the office for National Statistics (ONS March 2011) state that there are 10.4 million people over the age of 65 currently residing in the UK, this equates to 16% of the population. Further studies by the Department of Health (DoH February 2012) state that 900,000 hospital admissions a year are due to ‘falls’ Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General of Age UK (DoH 2012) states that: ‘’Fall and fractures are a serious threat to older people’s health, affecting one in three people over the age of 65.’’ The above figures suggest that a sound understanding and appreciation for falls amongst the elderly should be possessed by all Health Care Professionals, namely Paramedics. Upon arrival to any scene the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC 2013) encourage a step-wise approach be taken. Initially the crew should asses the scene for adequate access and egress both for the crew and there equipment, if required. The Ambulance crew will need establish if the patient is a time critical patient, these areas should be assessed using a stepwise approach such as the CABC method (Appendix 1) (JRCALC 2013). During the initial assessment an estimate of consciousness should also be determined using the AVPU approach (appendix 2) (JRCALC 2013). Once the initial or primary assessment is covered a detailed secondary survey can then be carried out in order to gain a more in-depth overview of the patient. Due to
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