Principles of trauma care

Trauma is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, and is the primary cause of mortality in the first four decades of life. This chapter discusses the priorities of care in the assessment, management and treatment of individuals suffering musculoskeletal trauma whilst considering the impact of injury to other tissue besides bone on care needs. Timely pre-hospital systematic management of the trauma patient can have a major impact on overall outcome and care. On arrival at the emergency department trauma patients are assessed and treated based on the advanced trauma life support protocol. Airway management is one of the core priorities in caring for trauma patients. The secondary survey is performed by the team after the primary survey has been completed and any immediate threats to life have been treated. A head-to-toe assessment is performed to determine any undiagnosed injuries or fractures.