((If trainees do not assess distal neurovascular status โ colour, warmth, movement, sensation, and CRT to the right foot โ before and after splinting, prompt: 'The patient asks if her foot feels normal โ what are you checking for?'))
((If trainees do not remove jewellery from the right ankle/foot before oedema develops, prompt: 'You notice a ring and ankle bracelet on her right foot โ is there anything you should do with these?'))
((If trainees do not immobilise the joints above and below the injury site, prompt: 'The patient winces each time her leg moves slightly โ what can you do to minimise movement?'))
((If trainees attempt to walk the patient or allow weight-bearing, prompt: 'Margaret tries to stand up saying she will be fine โ how do you respond?'))
((If pain is not reassessed after splinting, prompt: 'It has been 10 minutes since you applied the splint โ what assessments are still required?'))
This patient is suffering from a suspected right mid-shaft femur fracture following a mechanical fall at a community event.
- Ensure scene safety and don appropriate PPE.
- Perform Primary Survey โ confirm patent airway, adequate breathing, and circulation. Identify deformity to right mid-thigh as the primary injury.
- Reassure Margaret continuously and instruct her not to bear weight or attempt to stand.
- Perform initial pain assessment โ document pain score of 8/10.
- Assess and document distal neurovascular observations to the right foot BEFORE splinting: check CRT, skin colour and warmth, pedal pulse, sensation, and movement (CWMS).
- Remove any jewellery from the right lower limb (ankle bracelet) before swelling develops.
- Apply soft splinting using a pillow or blanket moulded around the right leg, securing with broad bandages above and below the injury site to immobilise the knee and hip โ the joints above and below.
- Reassess and document distal neurovascular observations to the right foot AFTER splinting โ confirm no new neurovascular compromise.
- Reassess pain score following splinting โ document improvement.
- Position Margaret supine on the stretcher and keep her warm with a blanket.
- Perform full Secondary / CNS Survey to identify any other injuries from the fall.
- Record full observations every 10 minutes and monitor for signs of hypovolaemic shock (femur fractures can result in significant internal blood loss โ up to 1.5L).
- Monitor for signs of ischaemia: pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, or cool/cold limb.
- Administer Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) 3mL via inhaler for pain management if pain score remains high and patient is able to self-administer โ confirm patient is co-operative and able to understand instructions.
- Arrange Priority 1 transport and pre-notify receiving facility โ time critical due to age, mechanism, and suspected femoral fracture.
- Scenario ends on arrival of ambulance and IMISTAMBO handover.
- Attention to hand hygiene will be given throughout the scenario.
Clinical references: Limb Trauma ยท Haemorrhage ยท Fractures & Dislocations โ Splinting ยท Pain Assessment ยท Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) ยท Primary Survey ยท Secondary & CNS Survey