top of page

Principles of Major Trauma (CPG A0800)

tick.png

Care Objectives

  • Identify and manage conditions that pose an immediate threat to the patient’s life

  • Minimise the time from injury to definitive care

  • Hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy increase mortality in trauma

  • Pain management is a cornerstone of trauma care

tick.png

Notes

  • Manage life-threatening injuries as priority (haemorrhage, airway, chest, pelvis, spinal)

  • Target scene time for non-trapped major trauma Pts is <20 mins

  • RSI should only be considered if the time to intubate is significantly shorter than the time to definitive care

  • Non-life saving interventions should be performed concurrently with transport

  • Spinal injury should be suspected in the unconscious Pt

  • If a Pt is trapped with suspected internal bleeding, request delivery of blood products

  • All available Pt warming methods should be employed

  • Effective analgesia improves outcomes

  • Early sit-reps for further resources (AAV, EMU) help optimise workflow

  • Early notification and transport to the highest level of trauma care save lives

bottom of page