Rapid trauma assessment
Rapid trauma assessment | |
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Purpose | identify hidden and obvious injuries in a trauma victim |
Rapid trauma assessment is a method most commonly used by
Indications for rapid trauma assessment
Generally, rapid trauma assessment is indicated if:[3][4]
- There was a significant mechanism of injury (for example, a high-speed car accident, falls >20 ft); OR
- The patient has an altered mental status; OR
- The medical responder suspects that the patient has multi-systems trauma
If NONE of these criteria are met, the medical provider may go through a slower or more focused trauma assessment.[3]
Identifying life threats
A standard rapid trauma assessment will check for each of the following life threats, and provide some forms of basic treatment. Treatment that would not be life-saving is not conducted until after the rapid trauma assessment.[5] For each area of the body assessed, it is helpful to review them while addressing the different parts of the mnemonic "DCAP-BTLS." This stands for: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures/Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, and Swelling.[1]
A rapid trauma assessment goes from head to toe to find these life threats:[1][3][5]
- Cervical spinal injury
- Level of consciousness
- Skull fractures, crepitus, and signs of brain injury
- Airway problems (although these were checked during the initial assessment, they are rechecked during the rapid trauma assessment) such as tracheal deviation
- bronchialtree
- Signs of serious chest injuries, including penetrating trauma to the chest, which can cause a tension pneumothorax; and cardiac tamponade
- Breathing problems (like airway problems, these are also rechecked during the rapid trauma assessment by listening to breath soundswith a stethoscope)
- Signs of serious abdominal injuries, including blunt force trauma; or peritonitisfrom bleeding into the abdomen
- A exsanguinatefrom a fractured pelvis)
- Bilateral femur fractures(a person can also exsanguinate from bilateral femur fractures)
- Lower spinal injuryor any other trauma to the back
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7637-4406-9.
- ^ Pollak, Andrew. Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured (12 ed.). AAOS. p. 361.
- ^ ISBN 978-0133369137.
- )
- ^ ISBN 9780323072755.