[Case report: severe neck injury caused by an angle grinder].
EMS is called to a construction worker with serious cutting injuries of the neck from an angle grinder. The patient was found on the upper floor of a construction building accessible only through a scaffolding with narrow ladders. Primary examination reveals severe hemorrhagic shock. The Fire Department is called for evacuation of the patient with a turntable ladder. Further examination in the hospital shows complete dissection of the left carotid artery and the left internal jugular vein. The history reveals alcohol abuse and depression. Attempted suicide appears to be the most likely cause of the injury. The case report further discusses proper coordination of medical and technical measures in rescue operations, recommended treatment of hemorrhagic shock, and the unusual finding of paradoxical bradycardia despite volume depletion.
Corzillius
Michael
M
Michael.Corzillius@kiel.de
Storz
Christian
C
Gräsner
Jan-Thorsten
JT
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000328:Adult; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods*