Rapid Trauma Assessment
Systematic, rapid, thorough approach
Consider: safety, scene and situation

I.  Process
    A.  Evaluate systemic condition
	1.  ABC with spinal injury suspicion FOCUS:  ventilation, shock, 
               hemorrhage control, spinal immobilization
	2.  looks for life-threats, if you find a problem, fix it
	3.  reassess to evaluate effectiveness of interventions
    B.  Transport to most APPROPRIATE facility
    C.  rapid secondary assessment with additional treatment enroute

II.  Trauma
     A.  Multisystem trauma
	1.  all are considered unstable until receive definitive diagnosis and 
               treatment at hospital
     B.  Simple trauma
	1.  isolated extremity fracture

III.  Delay of transport
      A.  Valid for:
	1.  establishing scene safety
	2.  rapid assessment (limited to life threats)
	3.  emergent interventions
	4.  extrication
	5.  proper patient packaging

IV.  Criteria for critical trauma patient
      A.  Decreased LOC
      B.  any loss of consciousness
      C.  dyspnea
      D.  significant bleeding
      E.  shock
      F.  incontinence
      G.  significant injury to head, neck, face, thorax, abdomen, pelvis
      H.  history of major medical problem
      I.  increased index of suspicion based on mechanism of injury

V.  Significant MOI
      A.  Any of the following:
	1.  ejection
	2.  death in same passenger compartment
	3.  falls > 20’
	     a.  >10’ in infants, children
	4.  roll-over of vehicle
	5.  high speed collision
	     a.  medium speed collision in infants, children
	6.  vehicle vs pedestrian
	7.  motorcycle crash
	8.  unresponsive or altered mental status
	9.  penetrations of head, chest, abdomen
	10. hidden injuries (seatbelts, airbags)
	
*in children, pregnant patients, and elderly, injuries should be considered more serious than outward appearance (have > systemic impact and > potential for rapid deterioration)