ABSTRACT
The management of the seriously injured patient should follow a structured approach. This approach follows the ‘ABCDE’ principle and is advocated in courses such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®; American College of Surgeons, 2004) and European Trauma Course (ETC®; European Resuscitation Council, 2006). These courses are run internationally and promote a standardised approach to the trauma patient. ABCDE stands for:
■ KEY POINT The management of the seriously injured patient should follow the ABCDE approach.
