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SurgCritCare
Resource Index

reference

Trauma

Trauma activation structure, primary and secondary survey flow, injury patterns, and early disposition thinking.

Attribution
SurgCritCare handbook
Updated
5/29/2026
Source
/trauma

Activation approach

Use a disciplined primary survey, treat immediate threats, and keep reassessment visible.

  • Airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure.
  • Reassess after every intervention.
  • Make disposition explicit.

Injury patterns

Frame management around anatomic pattern, physiology, anticoagulation, age, and need for operation or ICU.

  • Look for occult hemorrhage.
  • Protect the spine when indicated.
  • Close the loop on final imaging reads.
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