Traumatic Brain Injury PART ONE: EMS & ED-Handout: TBI ONE EMS & ED

Handout: TBI ONE EMS & ED

Pdf Summary

The document outlines an educational activity on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) hosted by the Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA), designed to enhance understanding and management of TBI in prehospital and emergency settings. It provides continuing medical education (CME) accreditation and nursing credits to healthcare professionals.<br /><br />Key objectives of the activity include distinguishing between primary and secondary brain injuries, understanding the impact of factors such as hypotension, hypoxia, and hyperventilation on secondary brain injury, and recognizing the importance of early intervention for improved outcomes. A case study featuring a victim of a falling tree limb illustrates the practical application of these concepts.<br /><br />The document highlights a notable project, "EPIC: Life-Saving Management of TBI," which involves the statewide implementation of Brain Trauma Foundation and National Association of EMS Physicians Guidelines in Arizona. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this project linked prehospital and hospital outcome data, demonstrating that EMS care can substantially improve survival chances in severe TBI cases. Findings from EPIC suggest that proper management of oxygenation, ventilation, and blood pressure ("Three H-Bombs") can significantly enhance survival rates following severe TBI.<br /><br />Practical guidance for EMS personnel includes applying high-flow oxygen, aggressive management of hypotension and hypoxia, careful ventilation, and cautious use of sedation. Educational takeaways emphasize that fundamental interventions—delivering high-flow oxygen, ensuring vigilant monitoring, and applying these practices consistently—are crucial for effective management. The document underscores the EPIC project's potential to revolutionize TBI outcomes, heralding a significant leap in survival through relatively straightforward prehospital care practices.

Keywords

Traumatic Brain Injury

Trauma Center Association of America

continuing medical education

primary and secondary brain injuries

EPIC project

EMS guidelines

oxygenation and ventilation

prehospital care

survival rates

National Institutes of Health