A guide to advanced trauma life support

1. ATLS is a systematic approach, aimed at reducing mortality in the 'golden hour' after injury. 2. Injury to the cervical spine must be presumed, and effective immobilisation methods employed in all trauma patients until such an injury can be medically excluded. 3. Blood loss is the most common remediable cause of morbidity and mortality following trauma. 4. Many A&E nurses lack confidence in care of trauma patients and require further training in this area.