A man’s legs were pinned by a steel girder for 5 hours. What should the EMT anticipate regarding treatment?

When a person has been pinned for an extended period, such as the five hours in this scenario, there are several critical considerations regarding treatment. The correct option highlights the importance of providing intravenous fluids and administering certain medications before the patient is extricated from the situation.

In prolonged crush injury situations, there is a significant risk of complications such as crush syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and other serious issues. Administering intravenous fluids helps to maintain kidney perfusion and dilutes the potential toxins that can be released from ischemic tissue once it is freed. Certain medications may also be necessary to manage pain, prevent shock, or address electrolyte imbalances that could arise from prolonged confinement.

Anticipating this step is crucial because immediate liberation from the pinning would not only cause immense pain but could also lead to the rapid onset of potentially fatal complications. Therefore, pre-hospital care that includes fluid resuscitation and appropriate drug administration can be vital for improving the patient's outcomes during transport to a medical facility.