The document discusses performing a detailed physical examination (DPE) on trauma patients. It describes examining the patient head-to-toe, or toe-to-head for children, assessing various body areas for injuries like soft tissue wounds, fractures, or internal bleeding. The DPE is only conducted if time permits and after addressing any life-threatening conditions. It provides guidelines for examining each body region and documenting examination findings.
3. Objectives
Describe the patients on whom the EMS
provider should perform a detailed
physical examination (DPE).
Explain when the EMS provider would
perform a DPE.
Describe how and why the approach to
the DPE is modified for children.
List the three general types of closed soft
tissue injuries that the EMS provider may
discover during an examination.
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
4. Objectives (continued)
Describe the various types of open soft
tissue injuries that the EMS provider may
discover during an examination.
List the body areas and specific
assessment points for each.
Explain how the acronym DCAP-BTLS may
be useful during the DPE.
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
5. Objectives (continued)
Provide an example of when the DPE
would not be performed by the EMS
provider.
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
6. Introduction
The detailed physical exam (DPE) is a
complete head-to-toe exam for the non-
life or limb-threatening conditions.
The DPE is performed on trauma patients
with a significant MOI.
The DPE is usually completed during
transport unless there is a delay.
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
7. Detailed Physical Exam
For most patients assess in a head-to-toe
direction.
For young children the toe-to-head
approach is used to decrease fear and
anxiety.
Soft tissue injuries discovered are
classified as opened or closed.
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
9. Open Soft Tissue Injuries
Abrasion
Avulsions
Incisions
Lacerations
Punctures/penetrations
Amputations
Impaled objects
Major artery lacerations
Crush injuries
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
10. Examine the Following Areas:
Head
Assess for DCAP-BTLS and crepitus
Common injuries are contusions and
lacerations, which bleed profusely
Face
Assess for DCAP-BTLS, crepitation and
symmetry
Palpate facial bones for stability
Vision problems can result from instability
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
11. Examine the Following Areas:
Eyes
Assess for DCAP-BTLS, pupil response, and
eye movement
Note any discoloration in the anterior
chamber and around the eye (Raccoons eye)
Nose
Assess for DCAP-BTLS, and fluid drainage
Drainage may include blood or CSF
For patients that are immobilized, drainage
may become an airway obstruction
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
12. Examine the Following Areas:
Ears
Assess for DCAP-BTLS and fluid drainage
Allow fluids to drain
Mouth
Assess for DCAP-BTLS, crepitation, loose or
broken teeth, swelling or laceration of the
tongue or throat, unusual odors,
discoloration, and drainage
Assess need for suction or airway adjuncts
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
13. Examine the Following Areas:
Neck
Assess for DCAP-BTLS, crepitation and JVD
May be necessary to open c-collar to assess, maintain
manual stabilization
Chest
Assess for DCAP-BTLS, crepitation, symmetry and
paradoxical motion
Listen to breath sounds
Note any scars
Apply chest compression to reveal rib fractures
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
14. Examine the Following Areas:
Abdomen
Assess for DCAP-BTLS, guarding, rigidity,
masses/bulging (pulsing or firm) or distension
Prior to palpation, listen for absence of bowel
sounds (if feasible)
Ask the patient about distension or bloating
Do not touch any masses
Note any scars
Consider females of child bearing age to be
pregnant
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
15. Examine the Following Areas:
Pelvis
Assess for DCAP-BTLS, crepitus, and stability
Apply pressure on pelvic ring and pubic
synthesis
Reconsider the MOI for possible pelvic injury
Posterior
Assess back and buttocks for DCAP-BTLS and
crepitation
When patient is on a long board prior to the
exam, use fingers to reach under
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
16. Examine the Following Areas:
Extremities
Assess for DCAP-BTLS and distal PMS
Compare side to side and assess for strength
and reflexes
Assess the range of motion (ROM)
With major degloving injury or amputation
assess for bleeding
Crush injuries have the potential for
immediate complications when crush is a
lengthy time
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
17. Priority Determines Care
The DPE is conducted:
Only if time permits
Usually enroute to the hospital
When the patients condition is critical the
priority should be:
Necessary interventions
Serial initial assessments
Transport
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit
18. Conclusion
The DPE is a thorough head-to-toe exam
of the trauma patient who has significant
MOI.
The approach differs for children (toe-to-
head).
The DPE is completed enroute to the
hospital if time and personnel permit.
Report all findings to the next care giver
and carefully document your findings.
息 2011 Bedford-Parkinson-Tolouei EMT Education Unit