ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an understanding of the initial C (catastrophic haemorrhage), ABC assessment of the trauma patient as well as some of the management strategies that are used. The purpose of the trauma call alert is to assemble a multi-disciplinary team in good time to ensure rapid assessment of a trauma patient. Depending on the severity of injury, seniority and confidence of the treating pre-hospital team, patients will arrive with differing levels of treatment. Most patients regardless of mechanism or symptoms will have had a cervical collar, head blocks and tape applied. Catastrophic haemorrhage requiring immediate treatment is relatively rare within civilian practice in the UK. Good inspection of the chest wall for deformities and bruising combined with the mechanism of injury can help focus the chest examination; look for seatbelt marks in particular. The patient's respiratory rate, depth and effort as well as oxygen requirements should be noted.
