Publication:

Assessment of management of polytrauma patients in the emergency department in Suez Canal University hospital

Background Trauma is a serious global health problem, it is the fifth leading cause of significant disability and is still the most frequent cause of death in the first four decades of life, accounting for approximately one in 10 deaths worldwide.

Methods This study is cross sectional prospective study was conducted to evaluate assessment of management of patients according to the advanced trauma life support guideline in Emergency Department at Suez Canal University Hospital. All patients (n=103) were subjected to baseline assessment by history, clinical examination and investigations. The patients were followed up and recorded till the full assessment was done and the decision was made and the fate of the patient was recorded.

Results The majority of the studied patient had motor car crash (55.30%), while motor cycle crash was the second mechanism of trauma (21.40%), run over was the third mechanism (14.60%). Airway management was done (95.1%), cervical spine kept immobilized only in (71.8%). Blood pressure was measured in (97.1%) and 2ry survey assessment, head to toe examination (78.6%), while AMPLE history was taken in minority of cases percentage (33%). Finally majority of patients was admitted in ICU (44.70%), followed by 18.40% of the studied patient died and less than (2%) discharged from the ER.

Conclusions ATLS protocols provide a common framework and organized approach during polytrauma patient’s management. Also, it has been shown to improve outcomes so we should enhance its application in our hospital.