The document provides guidance on assessing and initially managing trauma patients in combat situations. It outlines performing a rapid trauma survey following the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) to identify life-threatening injuries. Immediate lifesaving interventions like controlling bleeding or treating an obstructed airway are implemented before fully assessing secondary injuries or moving the patient.

1. Assessment and Initial Management of the Trauma Patient

3. SCENE SIZE-UP COURTESY OF BONNIE MENEELY, R.N.

12. ASSESSMENT AND INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF THE TRAUMA PATIENT

17. ESTABLISH C-SPINE CONTROL AT THIS TIME

18. LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS A – A LERT AND ORIENTED V – RESPONDS TO V ERBAL STIMULI P – RESPONDS TO P AIN U – U NRESPONSIVE (NO COUGH OR GAG REFLEX)

19. ASSESS AIRWAY If patient is unable to speak or is unconscious then evaluate further

20. OPENING THE AIRWAY Modified Jaw Thrust

26. Assess Circulation

34. Deformities

35. Contusions (bruises)

36. Abrasions

37. Punctures/Penetrations

38. Burns

39. Lacerations

40. Swelling

51. APPLY C-COLLAR AFTER ASSESSING NECK

52. Chest: DCAP-BLS + TIC, paradoxical motion, Symmetry, Breath Sounds (Presence and Quality) , and heart sounds (baseline measurement)

53. Listen to both sides of the chest. Is air entry present? Absent? Equal on both sides? Compare left side to right side. Mid-Clavicular Mid-Axillary

56. OPEN PNEUMOTHORAX

58. TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX

68. TRANSPORT PATIENT OR MOVE PATIENT TO CASUALTY COLLECTION POINT