Emergency Triage and Trauma

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, levels, and processes of emergency triage and trauma assessment.

First step in ED triage

Obtain vital signs, chief complaint, history of present illness, and a focused assessment.

ESI level 1

Resuscitation: the client requires an immediate lifesaving intervention.

ESI level 2

High-risk presentation, new confusion/lethargy/disorientation, severe pain or distress; immediate evaluation is needed.

ESI level 3

Stable client expected to require two or more ED resources.

ESI level 4

Stable client expected to require one ED resource.

ESI level 5

Stable client expected to require no ED resources.

Three broad triage categories

Emergent, urgent, and delayed.

Primary disaster triage

Triage in the field to prioritize treatment and transport.

Secondary disaster triage

Reassessment and prioritization in the emergency department.

Tertiary disaster triage

Further prioritization as clients move from the ED to an ICU or operating room.

ABCDE

Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (in trauma assessment).

Primary trauma survey

An assessment prioritized to find and address immediately life-threatening airway, respiratory, circulatory, and neurologic problems.

AVPU

Scale used to assess level of consciousness: Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive.

Findings suggesting immediate resuscitation need

Apnea, pulselessness, unresponsiveness, severe respiratory distress, or need for immediate lifesaving intervention.

Secondary survey

A more complete head-to-toe assessment after immediate threats have been stabilized.