Got to use my neuro skills in real life!

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My husband plays hockey, and last night I was at his game when one of his teammates had a hard fall onto the ice. There were only a few of us in the stands watching, and I heard one of the players going to the opposing team's side asking if anyone was an EMT or a doctor. No one seemed to have any idea what to do and no one had medical training, so I jumped up and walked toward the ice.

My husband saw me walk up, and motioned for me to come on the ice. The ref wouldn't let me on the ice, but the player was able to get up by himself and come sit on the bench. I took his helmet off and did a neuro check on him and asked him what hurt. He never loss consciousness and his neuro check was fine, but was feeling dizzy, so I told his girlfriend to take him to the hospital down the street to get checked out.

It was kind of amazing how calm I was and how my learning in class became instinctive when the player sat down. It really felt good to be an asset and know what to do in those types of situations. Though, I keep replaying the situation again in my mind and wondering if I should have asked more questions or done things a little differently, but I know I did the priority items correctly.

I'm now re-considering this whole trauma nursing thing. :)

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Thats awesome (unfortunate for the guy) that you got to use some of your skills. One thing though, coming from friends in contact sports, be careful taking off someone's helmet as sometimes the helmet is the only thing holding everything together.

:) Way to go

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Good advice. I'll remember that next time. :)

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.

Should never tell anyone to drive or have someone drive anywhere, just have them dial 911.

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I told his girlfriend to drive him because the hospital is literally down the street from the arena. The ambulances are dispatched out of a completely different city, and it would have taken longer to get an ambulance there than for her to drive him to the ER.

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.
I told his girlfriend to drive him because the hospital is literally down the street from the arena. The ambulances are dispatched out of a completely different city and it would have taken longer to get an ambulance there than for her to drive him to the ER.[/quote']its all fun and games until someone goes into VF arrest, tell me, where's the defibrillator on a Camry ?
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Seriously, I'm trying to share good news and you're literally shutting me down. I'm not looking for someone to point out everything I did wrong. I'm happy at what I did and I know I showed sound clinical judgment. Perhaps you can be a black cloud on another post.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

That's awesome! I love when you actually get to put all that knowledge to practical use!

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Let's just hope I never have to put my CPR skills to practical use!

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.
Let's just hope I never have to put my CPR skills to practical use!

I had to do CPR for the first time about a month ago. It didn't end well, but at least I know that I know what to do!

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.
Seriously I'm trying to share good news and you're literally shutting me down. I'm not looking for someone to point out everything I did wrong. I'm happy at what I did and I know I showed sound clinical judgment. Perhaps you can be a black cloud on another post.[/quote']

I apologize, not trying to offend you, just pointing out possible liability. I'll shup up now.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You did the best with the knowledge you have thus far. It's important to remain calm in situations such as this & not panic. Clearly you were successful in this critical skill. You also remembered a basic neuro assessment in a time where many would panic & forget.

FYI Helmet removal is a specific pre-hospital/ED skill as c-spine precautions must be maintained. It's covered for EMTs & medics who take pre-hospital trauma life support (PHTLS). Athletic trainers are also trained in safe helmet/equipment removal.

It's good that you kept calm but when in doubt especially with s/s of a possible head injury, call EMS as even though with the dispatch time there are specific ways to position & transport a possible head or neck injury. The extra 5-10 minute wait can make a difference. Plus EMS can alert the ED of impending arrival so that they are ready.

You can always discuss with one of your instructors for advice for future situations to keep both your patient safe and your future license safe. Unless you worked EMS or first aid before little things like calling 911 or not removing helmets are not things most people think of and usually not covered in nursing school.

When I was an EMT we transported a patient with a closed midline femur fracture with a HARE traction splint. This is a piece of equipment rarely used as it is for one specific injury. The splint stays on until the patient is switched to hospital traction bed or goes to the OR for repair. The ED/trauma nurse had never seen one and went to remove it as much of EMS equipment (like backboards) are really for safe transport. Fortunately the doc in the room was our EMS liaison and stopped her & explained why. But this is just one example how some things are not taught in nursing school but are covered extensively in pre-hospital training. (We had to demonstrate competency in HARE traction splints during our state practical exam)

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