Question

While functioning at a mass-casualty incident, a paramedic falls and fractures his femur. He is conscious and alert, is breathing adequately, and has no open injuries. What should occur in this situation?

1) The paramedic should be given immediate pain relief and transported to the hospital.
2) The paramedic should be allowed to continue working since he is conscious and alert.
3) The paramedic should be placed in a splint and immobilized until medical help arrives.
4) The paramedic should be given a wheelchair and allowed to rest until his leg heals.

Answer 1

The paramedic with a fractured femur at a mass-casualty incident should be given immediate pain relief, have the injury immobilized, and be transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a paramedic, who is trained in treating and stabilizing patients, suffers a fracture of the femur at a mass-casualty incident, the appropriate action would be to focus on immediate care and stabilization of the injury. The paramedic should be given immediate pain relief and the femur should be immobilized in a splint. Once stabilized, the paramedic should be transported to a hospital for further treatment. This approach is necessary because, despite the individual being conscious and alert, a femoral fracture is a significant injury that can result in complications if not treated promptly and appropriately. It is important to avoid allowing the injured paramedic to continue working, as it would exacerbate the injury and could lead to severe complications such as fat embolism, which can be life-threatening.