Trauma Surgeon Annie Onish Critiques Medical Scenes in Movies and TV Shows

Summary

In this Q&A, trauma surgeon Annie Onish provides expert insights on various medical procedures portrayed in movies and TV shows. She highlights inaccuracies and explains the proper procedures for different medical scenarios, including impaled objects, gunshot wounds, respiratory failure, and more. Onish also emphasizes the importance of accurate medical portrayal in media.

Introduction
Gunshot Wounds and Impaled Objects
Respiratory Support and COVID-19
Suturing Wounds and Medical Terminology
Conclusion

Introduction

Medical scenes in movies and TV shows are often dramatized for entertainment purposes, but their inaccuracies can misinform viewers. That’s where trauma surgeon Annie Onish comes in. In this Q&A, she critiques various medical scenes and offers her expert opinion on proper medical procedures.

Gunshot Wounds and Impaled Objects

Question: In John Wick, John gets shot in the chest, and someone stitches his wound back up. Is that proper procedure?
Onish: Absolutely not. Closing the skin over a gunshot wound is not proper treatment. Doing so can result in an infection or other complications. The wound should be left open to avoid trapping bacteria inside.

Question: In an episode of ER, a character is impaled on rebar. What should you do if someone is impaled?
Onish: Never remove an impaled object. Doing so can cause hemorrhaging and increase the risk of infection. Instead, stabilize the object and transport the patient to the hospital immediately. Removing an impaled object should only be done by a surgeon in a controlled setting.

Question: Where is the best spot to shoot someone if you have to?
Onish: If someone does have to be shot, the best spot is below the knee. The large bones in the lower leg can act as a natural barrier, preventing damage to vital organs.

Respiratory Support and COVID-19

Question: Can you discuss the different levels of respiratory support?
Onish: There are a few levels of respiratory support, including the non-rebreather, high-flow nasal cannula, BiPA, and intubation. It’s important to start with the least invasive method and move up as needed.

Question: Can you explain extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)?
Onish: ECMO is a life-saving technology for patients in severe respiratory failure. It oxygenates blood outside the body and pumps it back in. However, ECMO can be challenging to perform in an ER setting due to the necessary equipment and preparation.

Question: How do you prevent patients from being put on a ventilator with COVID-19?
Onish: First, it’s important to use all available respiratory support systems before resorting to mechanical ventilation. Additionally, visualizing the injuries in 3D models can help determine the best course of action. Stabilizing the patient before intubation is also crucial.

Suturing Wounds and Medical Terminology

Question: In Mrs. Doubtfire, Robin Williams performs the Heimlich maneuver on Pierce Brosnan. Is that an accurate depiction?
Onish: Yes, that’s a perfect depiction of the Heimlich maneuver. It’s essential to know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver in case of an emergency.

Question: In Uncut Gems, they use the term “sigmoid.” Is that correct terminology for a colonoscopy?
Onish: No, “sigmoid” is not the correct term for a colonoscopy. Sigmoid refers to the sigmoid colon, which is only a small portion of the large intestine. The entire large intestine is examined during a colonoscopy.

Question: Can you discuss the proper way to suture a wound?
Onish: The proper way to suture a wound involves cleansing the area and removing any debris or foreign objects. The wound is then irrigated, and a topical anesthetic can be applied if needed. The edges of the wound are then brought together and sutured. A sterile dressing is placed over the wound to prevent infection.

Conclusion

It’s essential to understand proper medical procedures and terminology, whether you’re on the frontlines or simply a viewer. Medical scenes in movies and TV shows are often dramatized and not entirely accurate, but it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. Trauma surgeon Annie Onish’s insights provide valuable knowledge that can help viewers better understand medical situations and emergencies.