Question

Which of the following patients is MOST in need of rapid extrication following a motor vehicle crash?

1) Patient with head injuries and difficulty breathing
2) Patient with a broken arm and no difficulty breathing
3) Patient with a minor injury to the leg and difficulty breathing
4) Patient with a minor injury to the head and no difficulty breathing

Answer 1

Patient with head injuries and difficulty breathing (Patient 1) is in need of rapid extrication. In emergencies, O-negative blood is transfused due to its universal donor status.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient who is most in need of rapid extrication following a motor vehicle crash is Patient 1 with head injuries and difficulty breathing. This patient's condition indicates a potential compromise of the airway along with the presence of head trauma, making their situation extremely critical. In contrast, patients with injuries not involving difficulty breathing or with only minor injuries can be managed more conservatively prior to extrication.

Regarding blood transfusion in an emergency situation where the patient's blood type is unknown, O-negative blood would be utilized. This is because O-negative is considered the universal donor and can be safely given to patients of any blood type, thereby minimizing the risk of an adverse reaction during immediate and life-saving transfusion.