Field Trauma Triage

Question 1

Who is the FFT used for

Answer 1

Those with traumatic MOI or who show evidence of trauma

Question 2

What is the FFT used for

Answer 2

To see if the pt meets the clinical criteria for the Air Ambulance Utilization Standard

Question 3

The first step is to see if the pt has ANY of the following physiological criteria

Answer 3

-unable to follow commands
-SBP <90
-RR <10 or >30 [<20 in infants] in need of ventilatory support

Question 4

What should you do if the pt meets the previously listed criteria and the land transport time is <30 mins to a LTH

Answer 4

Transport directly

Question 5

If the pt does not meet the first set of criteria and is more than 30 mins from the nearest LTH, what should you anatomically assess for

Answer 5

-penetrating injury to head/neck/torso/proximal extremities
-chest wall instability (ie flail chest)
-two or more proximal long bone #
-pelvic #
-open/depressed skull fractures
-crushed, degloved, mangled or pulseless extremity
-amputation proximal to wrist or ankle
-paralysis

Question 6

What should you do if the pt meets the anatomical criteria and they are <30 mins from the nearest LTH

Answer 6

Transport them directly

Question 7

If you are unable to secure the pts airway, or survival odds drop en route to the LTH what should you do

Answer 7

Direct transport to the closest emergency dept

Question 8

If pt meets none of the above, you should assess the MOI to determine resources required

Answer 8

—falls:
-adult: >6m/2 stories
-kids <15: >3m/2xheight
—car accident:
-intrusion of .3m on occupant side, .5m anywhere
-ejection
-death in the same passenger compartment
-vehicle telemetry data consistent or struck with significant impact
—pedestrian/bicyclist thrown/ran over
—motorcyclist crash >30km/h

Question 9

If the pt meets the MOI criteria and the LTH is <30mins away, what should you do

Answer 9

Transport directly

Question 10

What should you consider until special criteria

Answer 10

-risk of death increasing after age 55
-SBP <110 may represent shock in pts aged over 65
-anticoagulation and bleeding disorder
-burns (w trauma: transport to LTH)

Question 11

What should you do if the pt meets a special consideration and the LTH is <30 mins away

Answer 11

Transport directly

Question 12

As per each ambulance service, the 30 minute time frame may change, although it may not exceed what

Answer 12

60 minutes