2010
Field Limb Amputations Used as an Extrication Option in Complicated Entrapments or Disaster Events
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
"A field limb amputation is a rare life-saving measure that can be employed as a last resort method of disentangling a victim from a complex entrapment. The relative infrequency in which this procedure is used often leads agencies to overlook the need to have a protocol in place in the even this extraordinary procedure is ever required. The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) acknowledges that we must address this gap and identify factors needed to develop a plan for such an event. The problem is that SCFD does not have a procedure to address field limb amputations as an option during complicated technical rescues and in times of disasters. The purpose of this research focused on identifying existing policies and factors for consideration of a field limb amputation police by SCFD. To obtain this information this author focused on four research questions: What type of procedure do other EMS agencies have in place addressing field amputations? When is it appropriate to consider a field limb amputation as an option for disentanglement of a tramped victim? What is the current position of the SCFD medical director, emergency physicians and the state of medical director regarding the use of field limb amputations as a disentanglement option? And, can specially trained paramedics be permitted to perform field amputations during specific entrapments or disaster events? Utilizing descriptive research and a combination of a literature review, survey and interviews helped identify the current trends and existing policies regarding field amputations. It also provided important factors to consider when developing a policy including identifying potential obstacles that must be addressed such as liability and paramedic scope of practice before establishing a procedure where paramedics would be allowed to perform field amputations."
    Details
  • URL
  • Publisher
    United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Date
    2010
  • Copyright
    Public Domain
  • Retrieved From
    Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov
  • Format
    pdf
  • Media Type
    application/pdf
  • Subject
    Emergency management/Emergency response
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