Reviews the anatomy of the nervous system and the skeletal system. Injuries to the spine and head, including mechanism of injury, signs and symptoms of injury, and assessment. Emergency medical care, including the use of cervical immobilization devices and short and long back boards will also be discussed and demonstrated by the instructor and students. Other topics include geriatric and child considerations. Lesson meets or exceeds USDOT NHTSA EMT/EMR 2009 training requirements. Presentation is over 55 slides in length. Recommended classroom time is 2 hours & 2 hours lab time.

1. PREVIEW OF
EMT/EMR
NERVOUS SYSTEM TRAUMA
POWERPOINT TRAINING
PRESENTATION

2. SPINE
Spinous process
Spinal Fluid

3. SPINAL SYSTEM
Consists of the brain,
spinal cord, and the
vertebra

4. RACCOON EYES BATTLE’S SIGNS
Bruising behind the ear
ears over
mastoid process
Both normally does not show up for hours
after injury

5. CONCUSSION
AKA Minor head trauma
The most common traumatic brain injury
Caused by the jarring of the brain, resulting in
temporary signs & symptoms
Repeated concussions may lead to permanent
brain damage
Commonly seen in contact sports, car accidents,
falls & bicycle accidents

6. CEREBRAL LACERATION
Traumatic brain injury where the brain is torn
Similar to a Contusion but more severe due to
greater force
Signs & symptoms
Lucid interval with no change in level of
consciousness
Level of consciousness will decrease as
laceration bleeds & blood builds up into
skull

7. PENETRATING WOUNDS
Common causes include gun shot, arrows, metal
rods, & other high velocity projectiles
Often have exit wound
Has high mortality rate (up to 92%)
Signs & symptoms vary depending upon parts of
brain affected

8. SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION
In patients with head injuries with altered
mental status
Mechanism of injury that suggests the
possibility of trauma to the spine

9. COMPLETE NEUROLOGICAL EXAM
Vital signs
Blood pressure
Systolic pressure increase
Hypotension is associated with poorer
outcomes in head injured patients
Pulse rate – may be slower than normal if
severe head injury

10. TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
FOUNDATION GUIDELINES
They have treatment guidelines for EMS for
concussions as well as other traumatic brain
injuries
www.braintrauma.org

11. SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Can cause paralysis below injury which can lead
to death C1
C6
Neck Functions L1
L4
Thigh Flexion
C1
T1
Neck Extensors L2
L4
Thigh Adduction
C3
C5
Supply
Diaphragm
L4
S
1
Thigh Abduction
C5
C6
Shoulder
Arm
L5
S
2
Leg Extension at hip
C6
C7
Elbow
Wrist
L2
L4
Extension of leg at knee
C7
T1
Wrist flex L4
S
2
Flexion of leg at knee
T1
T6
Intercostal &
Trunk
L4
S
Flexion of foot

12. OPEN SPINE WOUND
Often caused by projectiles
Has high susceptibility for paralysis & infection

13. NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION
CONSIDERATIONS
Movement of extremities
Absent or weak
Note level of impairment
Respiratory ability
Chest wall movement
Abdominal Excursion
Sensation
Present throughout body
Absent – note the specific level of impairment
Altered sensation distal to injury – jingling, numbness,
“electric shocks”

14. GENERAL MANAGEMENT
CONSIDERATIONS WITH SPINAL
TRUAMA
Manual immobilization of spine when airway
opened
Immobilization principles
Log-roll patient with suspected spinal trauma to
move or examine back
Cervical collars
Rigid
Proper size

15. VARIATIONS FOR GERIATRIC
ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
OF SPINAL INJURY
Unusual spinal anatomy due to aging
Special modifications of spinal immobilization
techniques

16. To purchase this presentation go to
www.bravetraining.com
Or tap the above link