Anaesthesia | Trauma | The primary survey

The Primary Survey
Session Overview
Description
This session covers the primary survey and initial resuscitation of the patient with multiple injuries.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Explain the priorities in the initial assessment and resuscitation of the severely-injured patient
• Describe the five ABCDE components of the primary survey
• List the members of a typical trauma team and their role in the resuscitation of a trauma patient

The initial management of the severely-injured patient is usually undertaken by a trauma team.

The intensivist or anaesthetist is usually a key member of this team. This individual is responsible for airway management but can also contribute valuable skills to other aspects of the resuscitation. The anaesthetist could also be the team leader.

The primary survey includes assessment and treatment of immediately life-threatening injuries, following the ABCDE sequence.