1. A => E in ATLS - ANS-*Airway* (and c-spine and catastrophic haemorrhage)
2. *-* If answering questions that airway is patent
3. *-* Use jaw thrust to protect c-spine
4. *-* Give 100% oxygen
5. *-* Assume c-spine injury in blunt trauma until proven otherwise (x-ray or satisfies
Canadian c-spine rules)
6.
7. *Breathing*
8. *-* Assess oxygenation with pulse oximetry
9. *-* Check air entry with auscultation (also auscultate heart)
10. *-* Inspect, palpate and percuss chest wall
11. *-* Check RR and chest trauma
12.
13. *Circulation* (and haemorrhage control)
14. *-* Assess central and peripheral pulses
15. *-* BP
16. *-* Place two large (at least 16 gauge) cannulae
17. *-* Take bloods: *crossmatch*, FBC, U&E, clotting, VBG, ABG
18. *-* Control any visible haemorrhage with pressure and consider possible sources of
occult haemorrhage if no source identified but the patient is shocked
19. *-* If low BP consider fluids (ATLS dictates 1L warmed Hartmann's/0.9% saline
although growing evidence for hypotensive resuscitation)
20. *-* If significant haemorrhage and persistent haemodynamic instability *transfuse:
platelets, FFP and RBCs in ratio 1:1:1* (warm whole blood has better outcomes but
often not available)
21.
22. *Disability*
23. *-* Check *GCS/AVPU*, pupillary reflexes, gross evidence of a lateralizing injury or
spinal cord level
24. *-* Check BM
25.
26. *Exposure*
27. *-* Check and maintain body temperature with rewarming methods
28. *-* Totally undress patient, cutting clothes off if necessary
29. *-* Examine body for signs of occult injury, including back
30. *-* Palpate for vertebral tenderness and rectal tone
31. How is hypothermia defined? - ANS-Traditionally defined as *T < 35°C* but in trauma
it is *T < 36°C* as it is associated with especially poor outcomes
32. Pathophysiology of the lethal triad - ANS-*Hypothermia*: occurs as a result of
hypovolaemia and exposure. The elderly, intoxicated, burnt and exposed patients are
esp. at risk. Hypothermia dampens the CVS compensatory mechanisms against
hypovolaemic shock thus worsening tissue hypoxia
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