Midterm & Backboard Sunday Details

As we've discussed in class:

Midterm

• Date: Saturday, Oct 6
• Time: 9:00AM to appx. 2:00PM
• Location: Novo Construction Offices
• Other Details: Bring a person to be your patient. You'll need them for the first couple hours. Then they are free to take off or welcome to stay & observe the scenario tests.

Backboard Sunday

• Date: Oct. 7
• Time: 8:00AM to 5:00PM  (Begins @ 8:00 sharp)
• Location: Novo Construction Offices
• Other Details: Class begins @ 8:00 sharp, be on time.  Wear clothes you're comfortable getting dirty.  Knee pads (as discussed in class) will be helpful.  We'll organize a pot-luck lunch.  Be rested and ready for a full day.

Perspectives from EMS: Orthopedic Considerations of the Polytrauma Patient

As we cover orthopedic trauma in the next couple weeks, here's another perspective from the EMS world.

https://www.jems.com/articles/print/volume-39/issue-5/features/orthopedic-considerations-polytrauma-pat.html

As always, for OEC work, stick to the OEC protocols, but you may find this additional perspective both interesting and instructive.

Saturday Practice

All -

Saturday's practice will be at Rinconada Park, Palo Alto.  9AM to 11AM.  Meet near the tennis courts (like last time).  Focus will be in upper body & lower body splinting.

Trauma Care: ABC vs MARCH

All -

As we all know well, our priorities on initial patient contact/care are to establish ABC's. 

Here's another perspective, with roots from recent findings in the military, on massive trauma care.

https://www.ems1.com/trauma-assessment/articles/319159048-EMS-trauma-care-ABCs-vs-MARCH/

As always, for OEC work, stick to the OEC protocols, but you may find this additional perspective both interesting and instructive.

OPA & NPA Demo Videos

Candidates -

Here are two videos you may find helpful.  Plus the usual disclaimer - stay in your scope of training/practice & always follow the instructions in the OEC protocols & book...


NPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ-fahKPOvc

OPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a00BMlI03s

Bandaging & Splinting Guides

Here are two useful guides for materials we're now covering in class - Bandaging Guide & Splinting Guide.  Link to the GoogleDrive folder here.

Week 1 Complete!

Candidates - Nice work on completing week #1.

As we discussed, top priority now is to fully ingest & become comfortable with the patient assessment "flow".  Don't worry too much about speed at this point; we'll work on that soon.  For now focus on committing the baseline assessment procedure to memory and being able to execute it at a moment's notice.  As a wise man once said: "know the flow like you know your name".

The best approach for most is to get as much practice as possible - walking through it verbally by repeating it to yourself often, and getting practical experience with your friends, family, pets, etc. 

See you all on Saturday for practice, and looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday for a special event - the Assessment Lottery...

Class Presentation Materials & Photo Album

Candidates -

Here's a link to the PPT we use in class, and to the class photo album:

Class PPT here.

Class photo album here.

Skills Evaluation Sheets

As we discussed in class, here are the skills evaluations sheets that we'll use for in-class scenario evaluations, the midterm, and a template for what the examiners use at the final practical exam.  Links here.

Assessment Flow Verbalization

As we discussed in class, nailing the assessment flow is critical. 

To fully internalize it, many candidates find it a useful learning aide to sit down & write out the assessment flow as they would perform it.   A candidate from a couple years ago, Piotr, created a nice version.  Link here.

Use as suits your learning style.   And, of course, make the time to practice this critical skill.