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Initial assessment 

Initial assessment
Chapter:
Initial assessment
Author(s):

Jason Smith

, Ian Greaves

, and Keith M Porter

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780199543328.003.0003
Page of

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date: 21 May 2022

Initial assessment 24

The primary survey 26

The secondary survey 30

Further investigation and management 32

Trauma is a multi-system phenomenon, which does not respect anatomical boundaries and which can involve multiple systems. While certain mechanisms of injury can suggest specific injury patterns, the unexpected should be expected. The purpose of the initial assessment is to quickly identify all significant injuries, whether obvious or occult. At the same time threats to life and limb are treated immediately, further deterioration is prevented through appropriate intervention, necessary investigations and ongoing management are instituted, and transfer to definitive care is arranged....

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