ABSTRACT
OVERVIEW The management of every severely injured patient requires a coordinated approach, such as that taught in advanced trauma life support (ATLS) and the equivalent early management of severe trauma (EMST) courses. This involves a rapid primary survey, resuscitation of vital functions, a detailed secondary survey, and the initiation of definitive care. (1) The primary survey is a rapid patient assessment to identify life-
threatening conditions and establish immediate priorities. (i) The resuscitation phase optimizes the patient’s respiratory and
circulatory status. The response to resuscitation is recorded with comprehensive non-invasive monitoring.
