Dr. David Donahue, Crush Injuries Common Spirit Trauma Symposium
The lecture reviews the recognition and prehospital management of crush injury and crush syndrome. Emphasis will be placed on the physiology of prolonged compression and the risks associated with extrication. Topics include hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, shock, fluid resuscitation, cardiac monitoring, treatment priorities before and during release, and coordination with trauma and rescue teams.
Target Audience
EMS providers
Learning Objectives
- Identify the pathophysiology of crush injuries and crush syndrome and recognize patients at increased risk for associated complications
- Recognized clinical findings and potential complications of crush syndrome including hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, shock and dysrhythmias.
- Describe appropriate assessment, resuscitation, cardiac monitoring and treatment priorities before and during extrication of a patient with a crush injury.
Course summary
Available credit:
- 1.00 Trauma
Course opens:
10/21/2026
Course expires:
10/23/2029
Cost:
$0.00
David Donahue, DO,
Longmont United Hospital, Trauma
Service Line Medical Director
EMS Continuing Education approved by the State of Colorado through Common Spirit Health Prehospital Services Training Center and Group # CO 039 (SAH), #CO 040 (PSF)
Available Credit
- 1.00 Trauma

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