A crush injury is exactly what it sounds like. This is when a crushing force is applied to one particular area of the body (or the whole thing).
This type of accident can result in major bone fractures, hemorrhagic shock, organ rupture and many other serious conditions.
In the event of a crush injury, fast and efficient treatment is an absolute must. While crush syndrome can be a challenge to diagnose, there are many variables taken into consideration:
- The extent of the tissue damage
- The force of the compression
- The duration of the compression
- The overall condition of the patient
- The patient’s overall level of health and age
Also, there are many common signs and symptoms of crush syndrome, including:
- A faint pulse (or a pulse that is not present)
- Bruised or discolored skin
- Swelling that appears quickly after pressure is relieved
- Excruciating pain after pressure is relieved
As a general rule of thumb, the longer a person is trapped the greater chance there is for toxins to build up in the body. Furthermore, when the force is removed, all of the toxins that were being held back will immediately rush through the body, with the potential to cause many injuries.
A crush injury can happen for many reasons, such as the result of a motor vehicle accident or workplace accident.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, remember one thing: Immediate medical treatment is extremely important.
Once you receive treatment and have a better idea of how to deal with your injuries in the future, you can then learn more about the cause of the accident and if you can take action against a negligent party.
Source: Medic Tests, “Quick and Dirty Guide to Crush Injuries,” accessed June 14, 2018