The following review appears in the June 2005 issue of JEMS Magazine
I found Trauma Case Studies for the Paramedic an easy read. As with Medical Case Studies by the same author, most EMS practitioners will fine the text engaging. The writing style is appropriate for the audience and gets to the point.
The case studies-all trauma cases-draw the reader into a hypothetical ambulance call: “Law enforcement has requested your assistance at 344 W. Krokosky St. for an apparent stabbing that occurred during a domestic dispute. The scene is safe and the perpetrator, who is the patient’s wife, has been apprehended. The time of the call is 1:20 a.m., and your response time to the scene is approximately six minutes.” A photo of a patient with a knife still stuck in his chest adds to the realism.
After this, the author explains what happens between the time of arrival on scene and when the crew first encounters the patient.
The text itemizes the appropriate patient assessment data and provides an area for the reader to write in the initial management. It gives the patient's focused history and physical and a copy of the ECG tracing, with room to write in the interpretation. Also included are the vitals, SAMPLE history, areas for the reader to critically process this information, and some of the in-hospital emergency department treatments and lab findings.
The study answers and summary are where the author and book really shine. Not only does the text provide the correct answers, but it actually goes on to explain the correct interpretations and impressions. This is the value-added section of the book. Not only are the explanations clear and concise, but they’re well researched. It seems as if you’re speaking with a physician at a case review session.
In summary, I find the book will written and well researched. The information is presented in an easy-to-understand, logical style-with many tables-that lends itself to good take-home messages for the provider. Trauma Case Studies for the Paramedic is the perfect companion to Medical Case Studies.
Paul Werfel, BA, NREMT-P
Paramedic Program Director, SUNY Stony Brook
From The Pre-hospital Volunteer (UK), Summer 2005
Case studies reinforce patient assessment and management
Medical case studies for paramedics and Trauma case studies for paramedics, both written by US paramedic Stephen J Rahm, contain 20 case studies representing a variety of medical and traumatic emergencies. Each case starts with a presentation interspersed with critical thinking questions. Some of the tasks students are asked to do are:
· describe the appropriate initial management based on initial assessment findings;
· formulate a field impression based on the patient’s signs and symptoms and findings of the history and physical examination;
· identify specific treatment regimes for the patient’s injury or condition;
· determine whether further treatment is required following reassessment; and
· identify any special considerations for care or safety.
Each case study is followed by the answers to the questions asked, as well as:
- additional signs and symptoms commonly associated with the patient’s injury or condition;
- pathophysiologic information regarding the patient’s injury or condition; and
- information and justification for each treatment modality.
Both books are designed to reinforce the importance of systematic patient assessment and management by presenting the reader with traumatic and medical emergencies likely to be encountered in the field. Not only ideal for paramedic (and Technician/EMT) students to test their knowledge and prepare for examinations, the books are suitable for more experienced pre-hospital care providers to challenge, refresh and develop their knowledge, not only as preparation for examinations but as a continuing professional development tool.
After speaking to Stephen at EMS Today, we found that he is in the process of producing Pediatric case studies for paramedics – if it is as good as these two books then it will be another worthwhile addition to the bookshelf.