Write a 2000 word Critical Reflection on a minor injury case which have attended while on placement as a student paramedic.
Scenario to be used is as below:
Patient details- 11 year old boy.
Presenting complaint – While riding his skateboard patient hit an uneven paving slab on pavement and fell over landing on side.
Injury sustained – Minor haematoma to forehead due to not wearing helmet.
Secondary injuries/illnesses – Small abrasion to chin from grazing pavement.
Past medical history – None
Medication – none.
Treatment – Wounds cleaned with sterile water and small dressings.
Referral – Transported to minor injuries unit.
Reason for referral choice – Patient had an unwitnessed fall from skateboard and on assessment was confused and suffering possible concussion, also felt sick.
Other information – Reflection to be from the point of view from a student paramedic working on an ambulance whilst on placement working as a crew of 3 with a fully qualified Paramedic and an emergency care assistant.
Core principles of reflection are:
1) Effective Assessment
2) Differential Diagnosis
3) Appropriate Management and Interdisciplinary or Multidisciplinary Referral
Knowledge
1. An ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal pathophysiological states and to rationalise the need for referral within the multi-disciplinary health care team
2. The ability to engage in processes of critically reflexive practice which enhances both individual and multi-disciplinary engagement
Skills
1. The ability to adopt appropriate strategies of clinical decision making and to demonstrate clinical prioritisation of minor injuries in the context of Primary Care.
2. The ability to work as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team in the effective diagnosis, management and assessment, and referral of patients presenting with minor injuries.
3. An ability to clearly articulate and communicate the nature of minor illnesses to an array of audiences including families and their carer’s and their clinical peers, with due regard for their cultures and beliefs.
