Initial hospital care of the multitraumatized patient

Efficient care of the multitraumatized patient in the emergency department is a most demanding task, to be carried out within narrow time limits. Efficient and successful execution can only be secured by team work, according to systematic and well rehearsed plans. The objectives are survival, stabilization, thorough diagnosis and establishment of priorities for definitive therapy. These objectives should be met within a period of 15 to 30 minutes.