The initial assessment and management of seriously injured patients is a challenging task and requires a rapid and systematic approach.
This systematic approach can be practised to increase speed and accuracy of the process but good clinical judgement is also required.Although described in sequence, some of the steps will be taken simultaneously.
The aim of good trauma care is to prevent early trauma mortality. Early trauma deaths may occur because of failure of oxygenation of vital organs or central nervous system injury, or both.
Aims of the initial evaluation of trauma patients
Stabilise the patient.
Identify life-threatening conditions in order of risk and initiate supportive treatment.
Organise definitive treatments or organise transfer for definitive treatments