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.

First Aid Instructor Training – New site
First Aid Instructor Training – Main site