Intrahospital treatment options of patients with polytrauma: Trauma protocol

Abstract

Severe trauma is a global public health issue, causing one in ten mortalities, and resulting in the annual worldwide death of more than 5.8 million people. The treatment of trauma patient begins at the scene of the accident, with the initiation of basic life support measures, and continues with hospital treatment to stabilize the patient's condition. Trauma patient treatment is characterized by demanding therapeutic and diagnostic measures. Over the past decade numerous guidelines for trauma patient care have been developed with the same aim to decrease mortality and morbidity. Guidelines implementation into daily clinical practice has significantly improved the survival of these patients worldwide. Care for a politraumatized patient begins at the scene of the accident, implementing basic life support mesasures. Airway management, control of external bleeding, initial fluid infusion, immobilization of the spine and pelvis, and rapid transport to the nearest emergency center are the main features of pre-hospital care protocols. At the Emergency center, the primary goals of care are stabilization and patient survival.

Keywords

• trauma
• hemorrhagic shock
• trauma-induced coagulopathy