Recognizing developing problems in trauma patients

Blunt or penetrating trauma to the neck

Mechanism of Injury that should trigger suspicion for airway compromise. Signs include noisy breathing, facial/neck swelling, altered gag reflex, low GCS, low SpO₂, rapid weak pulse, and low BP.

Noisy or labored breathing; increased respiratory rate; swelling of the face or neck

Signs and Symptoms associated with neck trauma, indicating potential airway compromise.

Index of suspicion for neck trauma

Significant bleeding or foreign bodies in the airway causing obstruction; be alert for airway compromise.

Significant chest wall blunt trauma (e.g., MVCs) or penetrating chest trauma

Mechanism of Injury for potential cardiac/pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, hemothorax, or broken ribs.

Significant chest pain; shortness of breath; asymmetric chest wall movement; subcutaneous emphysema

Signs and Symptoms associated with significant chest trauma.

Index of suspicion for chest trauma

Cardiac or pulmonary contusion; pneumothorax or hemothorax; broken ribs causing respiratory compromise.

Any significant blunt force or penetrating injury

Mechanism of Injury for potential damage to large blood vessels or brain injury from head trauma.

Blunt/penetrating trauma to neck/chest/abdomen/groin; head blows with LOC or altered mental status

Signs and Symptoms indicating possible major vascular injury or brain injury.

Index of suspicion for major trauma

Injuries may tear large blood vessels causing significant bleeding; be alert for brain bruising or bleeding increasing intracranial pressure.

Any significant blunt trauma, falls from height, or penetrating trauma

Mechanism of Injury for potential spinal column or spinal cord injury.

Severe back/neck pain; difficulty moving extremities; loss of sensation or tingling

Signs and Symptoms associated with potential spinal injury.

Index of suspicion for spinal trauma

Injury to the bones of the spinal column or to the spinal cord itself.

Decreasing GCS score (<9 is severe)

A common critical Sign and Symptom across multiple trauma types indicating severe neurological impairment.

Decreasing/low SpO₂

A common critical Sign and Symptom across multiple trauma types indicating hypoxia or respiratory compromise.

Rapid, weak pulse; decreasing/low blood pressure

Common Signs and Symptoms across trauma types indicating shock or significant blood loss