Blunt trauma considerations

Prioritized response, patient assessment and management, and safe, timely transport of the severely injured, multisystem blunt trauma patient to a designated trauma center within an organized regional trauma system is correlated with significantly improved patient outcomes. While some emergency interventions may be necessary or life-sustaining en route to a trauma center, in most cases they are not a priority at the scene. Educating EMS providers to apply critical thinking to promote maintenance of oxygenation and adequate ventilation through selective airway management, maintain organ perfusion and limit secondary injury, manage pain, frequently reassess the patient, and promptly transport to the appropriate level trauma facility are all critical to appropriate management of the blunt trauma patient. Proactive medical oversight fosters optimal care through use of evidence-based treatment protocols and application of field triage criteria to appropriately direct patient destination.