ATLS

EMST / ATLS Principles

Usually polytrauma

- 10% mortality

Aims

1. Volume replacement

2. Reduce pelvic ring

3. Stop exsanguination

- external stabilisation / surgery / embolisation

Associated Local Injuries

Arterial bleeders

Epidemiology

Usually young patients

- 15 - 40

15% compound

Aetiology

High velocity injury

- MBA

- MVA

- pedestrian v car

- fall from height

Emergency Managment

EMST principles

- need for transfusion not uncommon

Background

Trauma is 3rd most common cause death in all age groups

- number one in young adults < 44 years

Death

Death occurs in 3 time periods

1.  First few minutes

- death secondary aortic rupture or severe head injury

- 50% die in this period

- only a few survive 

- only if rapid transport 

2. Golden Hour