ABSTRACT
As in any immediately life-threatening situation, the management of a trauma patient
begins with the establishment or maintenance of the airway, the assurance of adequate
breathing or ventilation, and restoration of the circulation. As part of this initial resuscita-
tion effort, a brief survey of the patient should be performed to identify and treat immedi-
ately life-threatening injuries such as tension pneumothorax, hemothorax, or brisk external
hemorrhage. Additionally, the patient must be managed in such a way as to prevent per-
manent disability, which initially involves protection and immobilization of the cervical,
thoracic, and lumbar spines. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s injuries
should be accomplished with a detailed physical examination, laboratory tests, and appro-
priate X-ray and diagnostic procedures.
