Credits Hours: 1.00

Course Description:
Abdominal and pelvic injuries in the prehospital environment pose a significant problem for the emergency care professional. The largest cavity in the body, the abdominal cavity can hold a considerable amount of blood (up to 1.5 liters) before it appears distended. Therefore, the potential for life-threatening hemorrhage from trauma to the abdominal organs exists, even with few overt signs of damage.

Traumatic injuries to the abdominal organs require surgical intervention. It is important for the EMS professional to understand the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal organs, so that immediate threats to life from injuries will be recognized. This course increases understanding of these injuries and their complications, to better prepare the EMS professional to handle the victim's needs and reduce mortality.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the general anatomy and physiology of the structures located in the abdominal cavity.
• Describe the general principles related to the assessment and management of the patient with a traumatic injury to the abdominal region.
• Predict the possible abdominal injuries that may occur as a result of the trauma, given a mechanism of traumatic injury.
• Construct a treatment plan for the patient with abdominal trauma injuries, given a list of signs and symptoms.