EPR Kinematics of Trauma (BLS/ALS Edition)

Course overview

This interactive lecture explores kinematics of trauma, with special emphasis on the knowledge of anatomy and energy exchange that is needed to understand and apply kinematics into practice when assessing a trauma patient. After completing this course, the practitioner will be able to: Define energy in the context of producing injury. Explain the association between the laws of motion, energy, and the kinematics of trauma. Relate the relationship of injury and energy exchange to speed. Relate energy exchange and cavitation. Apply kinematics to predict the likely injury pattern for an unrestrained occupant in a given scenario. Identify specific injuries and their causes as related to interior and exterior vehicle damage. Outline the function of restraint systems for vehicle occupants. Compare and contrast injury patterns between motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) and motorcycle crashes. Relate the laws of motion and energy to mechanisms other than motor vehicle crashes (e.g., blasts, falls). Recall the five phases of blast injury and the injuries produced in each phase. Explain the differences in the production of injury with low-, medium-, and high-energy weapons. Explain the relationship of the frontal surface of an impacting object to energy exchange and injury production. Apply the principles of kinematics into trauma patient assessment.