What is NOT included in the Kern County trauma triage Step 2 criteria?

In the Kern County trauma triage Step 2 criteria, the focus is on identifying severe mechanisms of injury that could potentially result in significant trauma or complications. Options such as pelvic fractures, open or depressed skull fractures, and flail chest are all indicative of serious injuries that require immediate medical attention and transport to a trauma center.

Pelvic fractures can lead to significant hemorrhage and compromise to vital organs, while open or depressed skull fractures suggest potential brain injury, both of which are concerning in trauma care. Flail chest indicates multiple rib fractures leading to instability of the chest wall, likely resulting in compromised respiratory function.

On the other hand, simple fractures of the finger, while they can be painful and may need treatment, generally do not indicate a risk of severe trauma or require specialized trauma care. They are not associated with life-threatening conditions, which is why they are not included in the Step 2 criteria for trauma triage in Kern County. This distinction is crucial in effectively prioritizing care for patients who exhibit more serious injuries.