CORE EM - By Carl Preiksaitis
"Background: Addressing traumatic injuries is a major component of Emergency Medicine (EM) practice. Providers are asked to quickly evaluate these patients, address major life threats, and make a full inventory of injuries. Having a systematic approach is essential to a rapid assessment that minimizes the chance of missing injuries. This post will outline a step-by-step approach to evaluation...
Take Home Points
- Development of a systematic approach is essential to rapidly assessing the wide diversity of trauma patients and minimizes missed injures
- Prepare with whatever information is available before the patient arrives and remember to get a good handoff from the pre-hospital team
- Complete the primary survey (ABCDEs) and address immediate life threats
- Obtain a good medical history and remember to complete a comprehensive head-to-toe exam"