EMS providers often feel helpless when responding to calls concerning abdominal injuries. There is a pervasive belief that if abdominal pain is treated in a prehospital setting that doctors won’t be able to adequately assess the patient in the hospital environment.

Studies have shown that when EMS responders provide initial assessment and pain management it can actually serve to make in-hospital assessment more accurate. 2There are many misconceptions about pain of the abdomen and abdominal medical emergencies. Because there typically isn’t a wound or outward appearance of an injury, responders are reluctant to treat something that they can’t see.

A lack of familiarity with anatomy can also cause confusion over how to treat. EMS providers play a vital role in recognizing the cause of the patient’s condition, performing an initial assessment, and providing pain relief.

This program examines some common causes of abdominal pain, prehospital diagnosis, and treatment options and alternatives for EMS providers.

Featuring - Matthew Ozanich, Matt is an adjunct faculty member at Youngstown State University in the EMS Program and he is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and has a Master’s Degree in Health and Human Services.