Trauma Assessment Station

Question 1

What are the components of scene size up in patient assessment for trauma? (1)

Answer 1

• BSI/scene safe
• is this my only patient?
• what is the mechanism of injury?
• consider c-spine
• request additional help

Question 2

What are the components of primary survey/resuscitation in patient assessment for trauma? (2)

Answer 2

• determine LOC
• determine chief complaint/life threats
• obtain baseline vitals
• verbalized general impression of patient
• ABC’s

A = open and assess airway, insert adjunct as needed

B= assess breathing, put on O2, assure adequate ventilation, manage any injury that may compromise breathing/ventilation

C= check pulse, assess skin (color, temp, condition), control major bleeding if present, initiate shock management if needed (keep warm, fluids)

• attempt to obtain sample HX from patient or bystander
• do rapid trauma assessment with DCAP-BTLS before moving patient
• make transport decision based on GCS

Question 3

What are the steps for the secondary assessment in patient assessment for trauma?

Answer 3

• head (inspect scalp for deformities, crepitus or lacerations, ears for fluid, mouth/nose/facial areas, assess eyes for PERRL)
• neck (tracheal deviation, cervical spine step off, jugular vein distention)
• chest (inspect, palpate, auscultation)
• abdomen/pelvis (inspect and palpate abdomen, assess pelvis, verbalize assessment of genitalia)
• lower extremities (inspect, palpate, and assess PMS in each)
• upper extremities (inspect, palpate, and assess PMS in each)
• back (assess for any deformities)
• manage secondary injuries appropriately
• trend patient