Heads Up! Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability following trauma. Actions taken by the EMS provider—regardless of level of training—have a direct impact on patient outcomes. This presentation is geared towards all levels of EMS provider. It begins with a discussion of cerebral perfusion and how the body attempts to maintain it. Various types of TBI are then discussed, along with their pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and prehospital management (BLS and ALS). While some treatment for the TBI patient can be complex, much of it is fundamental!!