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ATLS – Advanced Traumatic Life Support

Primary Survey

  • Airway
  • Breathing
  • Circulation
  • Disability
  • Exposure

Secondary Survey

  • Head to Toe Examination
    • Look for injury patterns and important injuries, such as
      • Battle Sign (post auricular ecchymosis)
      • Raccoon Eyes (infraorbital ecchymosis)
      • Hemotympanum
      • Nasal Septal Hematoma
      • Urethral Injuries
      • Circumferential Burns
  • Obtain a basic medical history
  • Obtain XRs, FAST exam, CT scans

Tertiary Survey

  • Repeat the examination portion of the secondary survey to ensure no minor injuries were missed

Further Reading:

Unbound Medicine – ATLS Outline