Trauma Triage (MBBS India)

Penetrating chest injuries (PCIs) are caused by an object puncturing the chest wall. Penetrating chest injuries can be high velocity, such as with gunshot wounds (GSWs); medium velocity, such as with pellet gunshots; or low velocity, such as with stab wounds. Penetrating chest injuries have a higher mortality rate than blunt chest injuries but are less common. Performing the standardized trauma evaluation (primary and secondary surveys), as well as ordering proper imaging, is critical to determining the diagnosis and aiding in management decisions. The majority of PCIs do not require major surgery and can be managed by observation or tube thoracostomy, although surgical repair of injuries may be needed.

Penetrating abdominal injuries are created by an object puncturing the abdominal wall. Injuries can be high velocity, like gunshot wounds, or low velocity, like stab wounds. Different structures can be injured, including the duodenum, spleen, liver, kidneys, and pelvic organs. The extent and specific type of abdominal traumatic injury can be identified by a proper history and physical exam and supported by appropriate imaging studies. Management, which can be laparotomy or a conservative approach, is dependent on the patient’s hemodynamic stability and specific type of injury.

Abdominal injuries are classified according to their mechanism of injury as blunt or penetrating. In blunt abdominal trauma, the bowel, spleen, liver, kidneys, and pelvic organs can be injured. The extent and specific type of abdominal traumatic injury can be identified by a proper history and physical examination and confirmed by appropriate imaging studies. Management depends on the patient’s stability and specific type of injury.

The airway, breathing, and circulation, disability and exposure (ABCDE) assessment is the mainstay management approach used in managing critically ill patients. The ABCDEs are the essential 1st steps to perform in many situations including unresponsive patients, cardiac arrests, and critical medical or trauma patients. For the trauma patient, ABCDE is included in the primary survey, the initial evaluation, and management of injuries.