((If haemorrhage control is not initiated within 2 minutes of assessment, the wound begins to bleed more actively โ blood visibly pooling beneath the leg.))
((If oxygen is not applied within 3 minutes, SpO2 drifts to 94% on room air and the patient becomes more anxious and pale.))
((If distal neurovascular observations are not checked before and after splinting, prompt the trainee: 'The mother asks if his foot looks the right colour to you โ what do you check?'))
((If signs of shock are not recognised and escalation is not considered, patient's pulse increases to 148 and he becomes drowsy โ GCS drops to 14.))
((If traction splint is applied without first controlling haemorrhage from the laceration, prompt: 'You notice fresh blood is continuing to soak through โ what do you do first?'))
This patient is suffering from a suspected right mid-shaft femur fracture with associated haemorrhage and early compensated hypovolaemic shock secondary to bicycle trauma.
- Ensure scene safety and don appropriate PPE โ hand hygiene throughout.
- Perform Primary Survey with c-spine consideration โ mechanism is consistent with possible spinal involvement; assess and document clinically.
- Identify catastrophic haemorrhage as the immediate priority โ apply firm direct pressure to right mid-thigh laceration using trauma dressing.
- If direct pressure is insufficient to control haemorrhage, apply Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) to right thigh โ position at least 5cm proximal to wound, record time of application.
- Administer Oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 10โ15 litres per minute โ titrate to SpO2 target โฅ95% for paediatrics.
- Assess and document distal neurovascular observations of right lower limb BEFORE splinting โ pulse, colour, warmth, movement, sensation, capillary refill time.
- Expose the right leg fully โ cut clothing, remove footwear.
- Apply appropriate traction splint to right femur fracture (Kendrick, Fernotrac, Sager, or Slishman) as per clinical skill โ immobilise joint above and below injury.
- Reassess distal neurovascular observations AFTER splinting โ document any change.
- Perform Vital Sign Survey โ HR, BP, RR, SpO2, GCS, CRT. Recognise BP 88 systolic as hypotension in an 8-year-old (threshold: 70 + [2 x 8] = 86 mmHg โ patient is at threshold, trending toward haemorrhagic shock).
- Administer Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) 3 mL inhaled โ hand to patient to self-administer for pain management (patient 8 years old, 26 kg, able to cooperate โ meets criteria for self-administration).
- Perform Secondary/CNS Survey โ assess for additional injuries: right forearm abrasion, right shoulder road rash, abdomen, chest, pelvis.
- Dress right forearm abrasion with appropriate wound dressing; apply RICE to forearm.
- Keep patient warm โ apply blankets to prevent hypothermia (injured paediatric patient at risk).
- Request ambulance via State Operations Centre โ Priority 1 transport for time-critical paediatric trauma with haemorrhage and haemodynamic compromise.
- Record full observations every 5 minutes given time-critical status.
- Pre-notify receiving facility (Perth Children's Hospital for paediatric trauma <14 years) โ advise suspected femur fracture, active haemorrhage, early compensated shock.
- Comfort and reassure patient continuously โ keep mother involved and informed.
- Scenario ends on arrival of ambulance and IMISTAMBO handover.
- Attention to hand hygiene will be given throughout the scenario.
Clinical references: Haemorrhage ยท Limb Trauma ยท Trauma Management Principles ยท Major Trauma Guidelines ยท Hypovolemic Shock ยท Fractures & Dislocations ยท Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) ยท Direct Pressure and Trauma bandages ยท Kendrick Traction Splint ยท Pain Assessment ยท Oxygen Delivery