2025 Trauma University: The Story of “Rebar-Man”-Handout: Rebar Man

Handout: Rebar Man

Pdf Summary

The document details a complex rescue operation of a construction worker in Paterson, New Jersey, who was severely injured in a fall. The incident occurred at a construction site where the worker fell approximately 18 feet onto rebar, resulting in serious penetrating injuries. The joint efforts of various emergency response teams, including the Paterson Fire Department and St. Joseph’s University Medical Center professionals, are highlighted.<br /><br />Upon receiving the dispatch about the construction accident, responders faced significant logistical challenges due to the unfinished state of the building. The absence of stairs beyond the third floor and the need for temporary solutions like ladders created access issues for rescuers. The patient, a 51-year-old male, was found impaled and suspended on rebar with penetrating injuries traversing critical regions including the chest and abdomen.<br /><br />The incident necessitated immediate and careful planning involving on-site assessment and stabilization of the patient to prevent exacerbating the injuries. Specialized equipment such as the Holmatro Combi Tool and Hilti Electric Grinder was considered for extrication. Key priorities included minimizing vibrations and heat generation to avoid further trauma to the patient.<br /><br />Post-extrication, the patient was carefully transferred to a trauma team at St. Joseph’s. Here, comprehensive care included controlling internal bleeding, repairing diaphragmatic defects, and managing associated injuries like a splenic laceration. Due to the complexity of the injuries, coordination between trauma, cardiac, and thoracic teams was essential.<br /><br />The case underscores the exceptional challenges presented by rare impalement trauma, requiring well-orchestrated emergency response and medical intervention. Despite the severity, the patient was stabilized and showed promising recovery indications, emphasizing the importance of coordinated rescue efforts and comprehensive trauma care.

Keywords

rescue operation

construction accident

Paterson New Jersey

emergency response

penetrating injuries

rebar impalement

trauma care

medical intervention

extrication equipment

coordinated efforts