On scene, a paramedic directs you to help another EMS crew with a patient who was hit by a passenger van that ran into a crowd. As you approach the patient, what scene size-up clue seemingly indicates that the patient is suffering from traumatic asphyxia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bluish discoloration to the neck and face is a classic sign of traumatic asphyxia, which occurs when a mechanical force, such as a compression, impacts the chest and impedes venous blood flow back to the heart, leading to a back-up of blood into the neck, head, and face. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of traumatic asphyxia. A sucking chest wound may indicate a tension pneumothorax, abdominal bruising and distention may indicate internal bleeding or organ damage, and bilateral femur deformity may indicate fractures.

On Scene, a Paramedic Directs You to Help Another EMS