20/07/2025
Title: Rescue Operation of a Trauma Patient (Construction Worker)
Author: Dimitar Nenchev | Crisis Tech Solutions | Medical Practice | Prehospital Care | Emergency Medicine
🆘 1. Dispatch and Initial Information:
Emergency call received for a construction worker who fell approximately 5 meters from scaffolding. Reported unconscious with irregular breathing. Team dispatched immediately under “life-threatening” priority.
📍 2. Scene Arrival and Safety Assessment:
Location: active construction site with restricted access and unstable terrain. The patient is found lying on a concrete surface surrounded by tools and building materials. Immediate priority: secure the scene with site safety officers and fire services to ensure safe access.
👷 3. Primary Survey:
🔹 Consciousness: Responds only to painful stimuli (GCS ~8)
🔹 Airway: Partially obstructed by blood/debris
🔹 Breathing: Shallow, rapid, asymmetric chest movement, decreased air entry on one side
🔹 Circulation: Tachycardic, pale, cold extremities, suspected internal bleeding
🔹 Obvious Injuries: Suspected chest trauma, possible pelvic/long bone fractures, head injury (visible laceration, hematoma)
💉 4. Immediate Interventions on Site:
🔸 Airway secured with basic maneuvers, suction applied, OPA inserted
🔸 High-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
🔸 Immobilization: cervical collar, spine board with head blocks
🔸 Pelvic binder applied due to mechanism and findings
🔸 IV access x2 with fluid resuscitation (permissive hypotension due to suspected internal bleeding)
🔸 Monitoring: ECG, SpO₂, BP, glucose, temperature
🔸 Pain management initiated (as per protocol and hemodynamic stability)
🚑 5. Extrication and Transport:
Due to difficult terrain and scaffolding remains, fire rescue assisted with technical extrication using basket stretcher and vertical lift. Transport initiated under high priority to Level I Trauma Centre with pre-alert to receiving ED.
🏥 6. Handover and Continuity of Care:
MIST report delivered:
• Mechanism: fall from ~5m
• Injuries: suspected chest, pelvic, head trauma
• Signs: GCS 8, BP 90/60, HR 130, RR 28, SpO₂ 89%
• Treatment: airway support, immobilization, fluids, oxygen, pain relief
🔑 Key Takeaways:
• Rapid scene assessment and safety coordination are essential in construction site incidents.
• Early suspicion and management of life-threatening injuries (e.g., tension pneumothorax, pelvic fractures) save lives.
• Effective team communication with rescue services and ED ensures continuity of care and optimal outcomes.