JEMS : a journal of emergency medical services
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Decisions must be made rapidly in the field when assessing trauma patients. Acronyms, such as ESCAPE, can help you remember important facts and aid your assessment. ⋯ But don't play guessing games with trauma victims. Use a systematic approach to quickly assess your trauma patients and determine the need to transport them to a trauma center.
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Brain injury, specifically TBI, is a common occurrence in our society, with devastating physical, emotional, social and economic costs. Injury not only occurs on initial impact, but also develops slowly over ensuing hours or days. ⋯ Serial assessment, particularly of the GCS and pupillary changes, is vital in continuing to monitor patient status. All treatment associated with the TBI patient is aimed at restoring CPP and allowing oxygenated blood to reach injured brain tissues.