Trauma

The pages in this section are set out in a simple manner to aid in the assessment and management of trauma commonly experienced in an Emergency Department. We do not aim to provide detailed information on classifications or treatment options. We have set out to provide a simple formula for treating trauma safely along with guidance on when senior review should be sought.

As a basic principle for management of trauma:

Assess the patient

• Assess for life threatening injuries and treat urgently, according to ATLS guidelines
  
• If necessary, immobilise c-spine until cleared clinically and radiographically
  

• Provide oxygen, fluids, analgesia as necessary

Assess the limb

• Look for open fracture and perform distal neurovascular examination
• If necessary, attempt correction of major deformity with in-line traction
• Splint injury
  

• Get x-rays of limb, including joint above and below
  

• IV fluids, antibiotics, analgesia, DVT prophylaxis as necessary
• Prepare for theatre - optimise medical condition/co-morbidities
• Discuss with senior colleagues