You are working in the ER when EMS calls in: They are transporting two teenagers involved in a high speed motor vehicle collision (MVC).
The first patient was the restrained driver with a chief complaint of left arm and back pain. He is fully alert and oriented with stable vital signs.
The second patient was an unrestrained passenger who was ejected through the windshield. He is unresponsive, hypotensive, and having his respirations assisted by ambu bag.
The ETA is 5 minutes.
How do we prioritize and assess these patients? Listen to Episode 2 to find out- The Trauma Survey.
References:
American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. (2012). Advanced trauma life support: Student course manual (9th ed.). Chicago, IL: American College of Surgeons.
Emergency Nurses Association. (2014). Trauma nursing core course: Provider manual (7th ed.). Des Plaines, IL: Emergency Nurses Association.