Case study: Ricardo Vega

The injury

Ricardo was severely injured after a pressurized component used to clean the cement mixer he was operating failed and struck him in the face and upper body. After the incident, he was unresponsive at the scene.

The diagnosis

He was taken to the hospital via ambulance and admitted as a Level 1 trauma patient.

• Multiple injuries and burns to the face
• Fractures to the left upper extremities (LUE): distal radius and ulnar fractures
• Left second metacarpal fracture
• Liver and bowel lacerations
• Multiple contusions of the lungs and chest

The Paradigm solution

Paradigm assigned case manager PJ Hankins, RN, ONC, CRRN to Ricardo’s case, and she took over coordination of his care. He’s had five surgeries, including repair of his facial fractures and burns, as well as surgery to repair his LUE fractures. Due to contusions to his lungs and chest, he was put on a ventilator and they’re trying to wean him from that. The CT of his head was clear, which, given the extent of his facial injuries, was a piece of unexpected good news.