Principles of Trauma Management

Question 1

List the 4 care objectives in Major Trauma.

Answer 1

1. Identify and manage conditions that pose an immediate threat to the patients life.
2. Minimise time from injury to definitive care.
3. Hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy increase mortality in trauma.
4. Pain management is the cornerstone of trauma care.

Question 2

What are the life-threatening injuries listed as trauma priorities under this guideline?

Answer 2

1. Haemorrhage
2. Airway
3. Chest
4. Pelvis
5. Spinal trauma

Question 3

While transport is the absolute priority in major trauma, what other interventions should be occurring en route?

Answer 3

IV access, analgesia/splinting, fluid administration and pt warming, early hospital notifications.

Question 4

When should a strong suspicion of SCI occur?

Answer 4

In the unconscious pt or the awake pt c/o spinal pain and/or neurological symptoms.

Question 5

If pts are likely to have prolonged entrapment with ?internal bleeding, what request should be made early?

Answer 5

Delivery of blood products to the scene.

Question 6

What note is made about analgesia in trauma?

Answer 6

Effective analgesia improves outcomes in trauma, splinting and analgesia are more effective when employed together.

Question 7

What note is made about hypothermia in trauma?

Answer 7

Hypothermia is associated with mortality in trauma, all warming methods should be employed.