Title: Trauma Assessment; Initial Trauma Assessment. Information | Patient
Headings: Trauma Assessment
Trauma Assessment
This article is for Medical Professionals
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Aims of the initial evaluation of trauma patients
Preparation and co-ordination of care
The pre-hospital phase
The hospital phase
Triage and organisation of care
Initial assessment
Resuscitation and primary survey
Additional considerations to primary survey and resuscitation
Secondary survey
History
Additional considerations to secondary survey
Definitive care
Records and legal considerations
Practice tips
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Content: A nasopharyngeal airway should be used in a conscious patient; or, as a temporary measure, an oropharyngeal airway in an unconscious patient with no gag reflex. Definitive airway should be established if the patient is unable to maintain integrity of airway; mandatory if Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is less than 8. Cervical spine protection is critical throughout the airway management process. Movement of the cervical spine could cause spinal injury so movement of the cervical spine should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for maintaining an airway. The trauma mechanism or history may suggest the likelihood of a cervical spine injury, but always assume there is a spinal injury until proven otherwise, especially in any multisystem trauma or if there is an altered level of consciousness. Inline immobilisation and protection of the spine should be maintained and X-rays can be taken once immediately life-threatening conditions have been dealt with. B = Breathing and ventilation
Provide high-flow oxygen through a rebreather mask if not intubated and ventilated. Evaluate breathing: