An emergency approach in which airway, breathing, circulation, and neurological status are sequentially assessed and stabilized in injuries from traffic accidents, falls, or assault.
Indication
- Suspected multi-system injury after a traffic accident
- Injuries from falls from height or work accidents
- Blunt or penetrating trauma (assault, sharp instrument, firearm)
- Serious injury during sports or daily activity
- Unconscious patients with suspected polytrauma
- Burns, electrical injuries, or blast injuries
Preparation
- Emergency services are called at the scene; initial assessment is made without moving the patient
- Cervical spine is stabilized and the patient is transported appropriately
- Available incident information (time, mechanism, height, speed) is communicated to the physician
- If there is bleeding, pressure is applied with clean cloth; the wound itself is not interfered with
How it's performed
- The ABCDE algorithm is followed in order: airway (A), breathing (B), circulation (C), neurological status (D), and full-body exposure/examination (E)
- Airway patency is secured and oxygen or intubation is provided if needed
- IV access is established and bleeding control and fluid resuscitation are initiated
- Tests (blood, blood typing, imaging — plain X-ray, FAST ultrasound, CT) are ordered rapidly
- When surgery is needed, the relevant specialty (general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery) is consulted
- After stabilization, the patient is transferred to intensive care or ward follow-up
Post-procedure
- Length of stay varies with injury severity (1 day to weeks)
- Postoperative physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs are organized
- Periodic imaging and clinical follow-up are performed
- Psychological support (post-traumatic stress) may be required
- Long-term outpatient follow-up after discharge
Risks
- Occult internal bleeding or organ injury can rarely be missed
- Shock, multi-organ failure, or infection (as length of stay increases)
- Anesthesia and operative risks when surgery is required
- Possibility of neurological deficit in cervical spine injuries
- Complications of prolonged hospitalization such as pressure ulcers and thromboembolism
FAQ
Should I move an injured person at the scene?
Unless there is a life threat such as fire or explosion, the person should not be moved. There may be cervical or spinal injury; emergency teams should be awaited.
What is the ABCDE algorithm?
It is a sequential assessment method in trauma. A: Airway, B: Breathing, C: Circulation, D: Disability (neurological status), E: Exposure (full-body examination). The most life-threatening problem is addressed first.
Is a conscious injured person not in danger?
Even if conscious, occult internal bleeding, organ injury, or delayed shock can develop. Medical evaluation is essential.
Within how many hours should one reach the hospital?
In trauma care, the first hour is called the 'golden hour'; appropriate management within this window saves lives.
Related Information
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