Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

A 32-year-old male involved in a motorcycle crash is experiencing shock. On the basis of his bilateral femur fractures, what is the approximate volume of blood that he has lost?

1. 1 L

2. 2 L

3. 3 L

4. 4 L

The correct answer is: 2 L

In assessing the volume of blood loss associated with bilateral femur fractures, it is vital to understand the significance of the injuries on the body's overall blood volume. A bilateral femur fracture often results in substantial hemorrhage due to the rich vascular supply in the thigh region and the potential for damage to large blood vessels. Each femur can represent a significant volume of blood loss—approximately 1 to 1.5 liters per fracture can be estimated, depending on the severity of the fracture and associated soft tissue injuries. Since this patient has bilateral femur fractures, the total volume of blood loss could therefore be close to two liters, which aligns with the injuries sustained and the physiologic response to such trauma. While factors like the patient's overall health, rapid response to medical care, and individual variations in anatomy can influence specifics, two liters is recognized as a critical threshold for major trauma—leading to significant physiological changes and signs of shock. This estimation underscores the need for urgent intervention, including fluid resuscitation and potential surgical intervention, to stabilize the patient effectively.