Also known as: Near drowning with severe hypothermia
Young boy falls through ice while ice fishing and is submerged for approximately 5 minutes. Presents with severe hypothermia (temp 80°F), cardiac arrest, and bradycardia. Requires aggressive rewarming with heated IVs, pleural lavage, and peritoneal lavage. Successfully resuscitated with full neurological recovery.
Also known as: Head trauma
25-year-old male crashes snowmobile without helmet. Presents comatose with Glasgow Coma Scale of 4, blown right pupil, decerebrate posturing, and CSF drainage from ear. CT shows large right-sided epidural hematoma with midline shift. Determined to be brain dead and becomes an organ donor.
Also known as: Stab wound
Patient mugged in parking lot with penetrating stab wound to mid-abdomen. Develops hypotension and DIC, requiring emergency laparotomy and massive transfusion protocol.
Also known as: Electrical injury
Patient electrocuted while attempting to tap into main power box for elaborate Christmas light display. Requires EKG monitoring to rule out cardiac damage and evaluation for muscular damage with CPK levels.
Also known as: Heart stopped
Mall Santa presents with dizziness in morning, leaves against medical advice, then returns in full cardiac arrest. Despite resuscitation attempts, he is pronounced dead. No identification found on body.
Also known as: Depression
Elderly woman presents with severe seasonal depression related to unresolved grief over a lost relationship from 40 years prior. Symptoms include early morning awakening, difficulty getting out of bed, and persistent sadness during holidays. Prescribed antidepressants and referred to therapy.
Also known as: Cut hand
Patient lacerates hand while opening can of nuts. Requires suturing in the ER.
Patient with torn cartilage injury waiting for evaluation in Exam 3.
Also known as: Cut on the head
Young boy presents with head laceration from bicycle accident without wearing helmet. Case reveals possible neglect as child appears to have been left unsupervised and no family can be reached.