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 = Airway maintenance cervical spine protection
Are there signs of airway obstruction, foreign bodies, facial, mandibular or laryngeal fractures? Management may involve secretion control, intubation or surgical airway (eg, cricothyroidotomy, emergency tracheostomy). Establish a clear airway (chin lift or jaw thrust) but protect the cervical spine at all times. If the patient can talk, the airway is likely to be safe; however, remain vigilant and recheck. 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.