Trauma

Question 1

Definition of ‘Trauma’

Answer 1

• Bodily harm with / without structural alterations
• Resulting from interaction with physiochemical agents imparting energy to tissues

Question 2

Types of Trauma

Answer 2

• Mechanical Force = Blunt / Sharp / Firearm Injuries
• Thermal = Heat / The Cold
• Electrical = Current flow, causing localised burn
• Atmospheric Pressure = Either High / Low
• Radiation
• Chemical Reaction

Question 3

What are the PHYSICAL Factors?

Answer 3

1) Degree of Force / Kinetic Energy
- Force = Mass x Acceleration
- KE = 1/2 x Mass x V2

2) AREA OVER force is applied

3) DURATION OVER force is applied

4) DIRECTION of Application

Question 4

What are the BIOLOGICAL Factors?

Answer 4

1) Body Part’s MOBILITY
- FIXED = ABSORBS applied energy
- MOBILE = TRANSFORMS KE –> Movement

2) Anticipation / Coordination

3) BIOMECHANICAL Properties of Tissue
- SKIN = Elastic hence more chance of bruise
- BVs / Hollow Organs = RESISTANT to Compression
- BONE = RESISTANT to Bending
- BRAIN = RESISTANT to Direct Impact