Initial Assessment: Trauma

Acronym: A.B.C.D.

• A
  Airway
  Acronym: A.L.S.O.
  • A
    Airway
    Verbalize "My partner will perform a jaw thrust"
  • L
    Look / Listen / Feel
  • S
    Need to suction?
  • O
    Need to insert an oropharyngeal airway?
    Note: only insert if paient is unresponsive, i.e. does not have a gag reflex
• B
  Breathing
  Acronym: O.I.P.A.S.S.
  
  • O
    Administer oxgyen
    via bag valve mask
  • I
    Inspect
    Note: more detail needed here. Please post in comments with more information to be added.
  • P
    Palpate chest, sternum and ribs
  • A
    Auscultate at midxallary
    Note: midclavicular? Please post in comments with differing opinion.
  • S
    Signs of shock.
    Acronym (outdated, but useful): P.A.T.P.O.D.S.
  • S
    Seal all holes.
• C
  Circulation Acronym: V.C.R.S.S.
  • V
    Voids
    Primary/secondary bleed
    Check behind neck, lumbar spine, knees, ankles. Used gloved hands to sweep beneath voids and display hands at eye level after each sweep to show presence/absence of blood/fluids.
  • C
    Palpate for presence of carotid pulses.
  • R
    Palpate for presence of radial pulses.
  • S
    Palpate skin for temperature and condition.
  • S
    Treat for shock
    Elevate the legs.
• D
  Decision to transport
  
  • High Priority / Low Priority
  • Rapid / Delayed