How should an EMD assess a fall victim?

Assessing a fall victim begins with understanding the height of the fall because it provides critical information regarding the potential severity of injuries sustained. Higher falls are generally associated with a greater risk of severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or internal injuries. Knowledge of how far the individual has fallen allows the emergency medical dispatcher to prioritize the response and prepare first responders for the possibility of significant trauma.

Furthermore, understanding the mechanism of injury helps inform the appropriate medical interventions that may be required when responders arrive on the scene. It also influences the dispatcher’s instructions to bystanders or uninjured individuals at the scene regarding how to assist the victim while waiting for professional help.

This approach emphasizes the importance of mechanism-based injury assessment in pre-hospital care, aligning with protocols and training that aid EMDs in delivering timely and accurate instructions to enhance patient outcomes.