ABCDE of trauma

Q: Describe the "ABCDE" bundle in the primary survey of a trauma patient?


Answer: For the ease of the care of trauma patients, a simple mnemonic is developed for the primary assessment of trauma patients:

• Airway - includes cervical spine stabilization 
• Breathing - equivalent to adequate oxygenation 
• Circulation - includes bleeding control with goal to maintain adequate end-organ perfusion
• Disability assessment - includes basic neurologic evaluation 
• Exposure - it also suggests undressing the patients, searching everywhere for possible injury, and preventing hypothermia

#trauma

Reference:

American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Student Course Manual, 9th ed, American College of Surgeons, Chicago 2012.