Priorities in assessment and intervention in trauma victim medical care

There is substantial evidence that with better investment of human and capital resources, better evacuation procedures, and more timely delivery of trauma victims to trauma centres, that mortality and morbidity from trauma will be reduced. The integration of these advances in care, as well as the need to avoid mistakes, requires sound decisions. Thankfully, a clear consensus of the priorities in assessment and intervention is available to guide caregivers as they make these decisions. Repeated examination of the patient and concerted use of these priorities, together with data collection to monitor their use will benefit patients.