Secondary assessment and identifying pelvis problems

When doing an injury assessment it is not always easy to know if some one has hurt their hips.  Hip damage can be life threatening and it is an area where the first aider can do some damage by moving the patient or being heavy handed on an assessment.

If possible look at the patients legs and see if they are the same length and see if one of the legs or feet are not in line.  This can indicate a problem with the pelvis.  It should be noted that it could also be a problem with a broken leg but there should be other indications on leg damage.

With a pelvis problem there can be groin pain and pains and discomfort down the legs as well as local pain.

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Cling film and burns

We know about putting cling film on to a burn but it is recommended that the cling film is applied in layers over the burn rather than wrapped around the limb as wrapping it will not allow for swelling.  If the cling film is laid over the burn instead swelling can occur and the film still has its benefits to the patient and medical staff.  Care should always be taken with working on any burn and you may need to safely secure the film if put on in layers but never put tape over or near the burn.

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