We will explore real-world ski hill splenic injury cases to examine the unique challenges faced by first-responders, EMS and critical care transport providers caring for patients with blunt abdominal trauma in remote mountain environments. Participants will review the epidemiology and mechanisms of splenic injury associated with skiing and snowboarding, recognize key clinical findings that suggest significant splenic trauma, and discuss the limitations of field assessment in cold-weather and austere settings. Through case-based discussions, attendees will evaluate evidence-based prehospital management strategies, including hemorrhage recognition, resuscitation priorities, pain management, monitoring, and activation of trauma resources. The presentation will also explore transport decision-making, emphasizing destination selection, air medical utilization, and considerations for prolonged evacuation times. By analyzing successes, challenges, and lessons learned from actual cases, participants will strengthen their ability to identify high-risk patients, anticipate deterioration, and optimize outcomes for injured winter sports athletes.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify mechanisms of injury, patterns associated with splenic trauma in ski and snowboard accidents.
- Recognize clinical signs of splenic injury, compensated v. decompensated shock.
- Apply current, evidence-based strategies, for suspected splenic injury.
