Paramedics Knowledge of Providing Emergency Care For A Polytraumatized Patient

Introduction: The treatment of serious injuries has reduced in recent years, which can also be attributed to a better quality work of ambulance services and better organization of work in hospital facilities. Polytrauma is a condition, where we have an injured person who has injured two organ systems, which one can be directly life-threatening. Therefore, a suitable approach is crucial to a polytraumatized patient. Research methodology: In the article used a descriptive method of data collection and a quantitative methodology of research with a structured questionnaire. The purpose was to determine the knowledge of paramedics about polytrauma, care of a polytraumatized patient. We performed a non-random sampling in July 2020, and analysed the data with a programme Microsoft Excel. Results: Based on the hypotheses and the research question, we found that the knowledge of paramedics about polytrauma is good, as almost all questions where it is necessary to provide knowledge were answered correctly in high percentages. The results of the questionnaire also show that paramedics in Slovenia know how to offer appropriate care to a polytraumatized patient in the field and that they have a lot of experience with such conditions. Discussion and conclusion: More simulations on cases within individual rescue stations and at least one year of mentoring by a more experienced employee would contribute to a better knowledge of field work. It would also be useful to introduce mandatory ITLS and ATLS courses and additional protocols and algorithms.