When receiving the patient with potential major trauma, a well-rehearsed, standardised way of preparing them for assessment is required. Taking a stepwise approach to Trauma Team tasks is slow and wasteful: the Trauma Team should perform tasks concurrently (in parallel) in order to be efficient and effective.
Once the patient's clothing has been removed safely and swiftly, the team can perform these 4 essential tasks concurrently and be ready to move to the CT scanner or operating theatre within 10-15 minutes of patient arrival:
Primary Survey assessment,
IV access and blood sampling,
non-invasive monitoring,
chest and pelvic x-rays (if indicated).
This video demonstrates the Royal Cornwall ED "disrobing procedure" (a.k.a. the "kit off" procedure). We are aware that the video needs a little more polish but it is an accurate demonstration of the team roles in the first 2-3minutes after patient arrival. Please watch it carefully and imagine yourself in the place of one of the team members: what are your movements, what are you anticipating to happen next, where would you find the equipment you are using? You are aiming to be able to do your tasks with the minimum of movement or talking. Alongside the video, the laminated role-specific pre-arrival checklists (labelled Doctor 1/2, Nurse 1/2, etc.) should be read so that you understand your role in detail. We will be having brief daily practice sessions starting 13th November and will be looking to find the team who can do this the best!