Geriatric trauma: what to think about before assessing, treating and packaging the elderly

It has been a typically busy Saturday when dispatch comes across the radio: "EMS 6, Rescue 2, respond to 280 Prince St., fourth floor, for a woman who fell, unknown extent of injuries." Recognizing the address as a senior residence facility, you and your partner exchange looks that say, "Great, another little ol' lady call." A couple of minutes later, you arrive and enter the scene to find the crew of Rescue 2 gathered around an approximately 80-year-old female supine on the floor. Based on her position, it appears she fell from a standing position. The patient isn't moving, but her eyes are open, and she's following the activity of those around her. You're not sure why the fire department EMTs seem to have made no attempt to assess, move or immobilize the patient, so you turn to the company officer and ask him what's going on. Obviously frustrated, the lieutenant says, "We tried to do a patient assessment and get vitals, but every place we touch seems to hurt her."