A 40-year-old male is rescued from a collapsed trench. He has been buried up to his waist for approximately 90 minutes. His upper body is free and he ...

Question

A 40-year-old male is rescued from a collapsed trench. He has been buried up to his waist for approximately 90 minutes. His upper body is free and he is conscious but in significant pain. Before full extrication, what is the critical concern similar to crush syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Traumatic asphyxia and crush syndrome - the weight of soil compressed the abdomen and chest, and the lower limbs are at risk of reperfusion injury with hyperkalaemia upon release; IV fluids and cardiac monitoring must be established before extrication

Answer

Dehydration from being underground

Answer

Only hypothermia from soil contact

Answer

Claustrophobic panic attack

Answer

Spinal injury from the collapse

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Trench Collapse - Crush and Asphyxia

A 40-year-old male is rescued from a collapsed trench. He has been buried up to his waist for approximately 90 minutes. His upper body is free and he is conscious but in significant pain. Before full extrication, what is the critical concern similar to crush syndrome?