ABSTRACT
The first phase follows the resuscitation principles of advanced trauma life support (ATLS), with airway, breathing, circulation and haemorrhage control, ‘saving life before limb’. These principles are addressed in detail in the topic ‘Polytrauma-resuscitation and ATLS’, p. 209. The source of haemorrhage must be swiftly identified, as massive haemorrhage in the chest, abdomen or pelvis requires rapid surgical intervention.
