Chapter 29
Penetrating trauma
Michelle Welsford,
Clare Wallner,
Michelle Welsford
Search for more papers by this authorClare Wallner
Search for more papers by this authorMichelle Welsford,
Clare Wallner,
Michelle Welsford
Search for more papers by this authorClare Wallner
Search for more papers by this authorBook Editor(s):David C. Cone MD,
Jane H. Brice MD, MPH,
Theodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH,
J. Brent Myers MD, MPH,
David C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 18 August 2021
Summary
Penetrating trauma results in significant morbidity and mortality. Although firearm and knife wounds are the most commonly considered, other missile-type injuries can occur. Familiarity with the physics and mechanics of penetrating trauma as well as an understanding of how penetrating trauma affects different areas of the body and special populations will enable EMS clinicians to optimize the care that is provided to these patients, thus improving their long-term prognosis. EMS physicians play a pivotal role in this by ensuring that the EM clinicians and paramedics in their systems are as up-to-date as possible on current management standards and novel therapies.
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