Repeat the primary survey frequently to identify any deterioration in the patient’s status that indicates the need for additional intervention.

The earliest priorities in managing the injured patient are to ensure an intact airway and recognize a compromised airway.

The first step in the initial management of shock is to recognize its presence.O

Thoracic injury is common in polytrauma patients and can be life-threatening, especially if not promptly identified and treated during the primary survey.

When uncontrolled or unrecognized, blood loss from abdominal and pelvic injuries can result in preventable death.

Because spine injury can occur with both blunt and penetrating trauma, and with or without neurological deficits, it must be considered in all patients with multiple injuries. These patients require limitation of spinal motion to protect the spine from further damage until spine injury has been ruled out

Injuries to the musculoskeletal system are common in trauma patients. The delayed recognition and treatment of these injuries can result in life-threatening hemorrhage or limb loss.

The most significant difference between burns and other injuries is that the consequences of burn injury are directly linked to the extent of the inflammatory response to the injury.

Injury remains the most common cause of death and disability in childhood. Injury morbidity and mortality surpass all major diseases in children and young adults, making trauma the most serious public health and health care problem in this population.

When managing geriatric patients with trauma, the effects of aging on physiological function and the impact of preexisting conditions and medications cannot be overemphasized.

Although pregnancy causes alterations in normal physiology and responses to injury and resuscitation, the sequence of the initial assessment and management of pregnant patients remains the same as for all trauma patients

The decision to transfer a patient to another facility for definitive care is influenced by the identified and suspected injuries, the expected progression of these injuries, and the capabilities on hand to expeditiously diagnose and treat them, especially the potentially life-threatening injuries.