Polytrauma management at the institutional level

• Main Authors: Srinivasan Swaminathan, Praveen Kumar Neema, Alok C Agrawal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2013-01-01
• Series: Journal of Orthopedics, Traumatology and Rehabilitation
• Subjects: definitive care; initial assessment; polytrauma management; primary survey; secondary survey
• Online Access: http://www.jotr.in/article.asp?issn=0975-7341;year=2013;volume=6;issue=1;spage=7;epage=12;aulast=Swaminathan

Polytrauma remains the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. Systematic organized team effort is essential for improving the survival in trauma victims. Initial assessment includes preparation, triage, rapid primary survey and resuscitation, secondary survey and definitive care. ABCDE of primary survey includes airway maintenance with cervical spine control, breathing and ventilation. Circulation and hemorrhage control, disability and exposure with prevention of hypothermia. Secondary survey includes head to toe examination of the trauma patient including a complete history and physical examination and reassessment of all vital signs. Definitive care may involve shifting the patient to radiology/operating room/intensive care unit.