Tertiary Trauma Survey
VBMC TRAUMA CARE SERVICES GUIDELINE
TITLE: Tertiary Trauma Survey
PURPOSE: To define the process for the tertiary trauma survey and to
decrease the incidence of missed injury in the trauma patient.
GUIDELINE:
Any patient admitted to the Trauma Surgery Service will have a Tertiary Trauma Survey completed within 48 hours of admission to the hospital. Patients admitted to the ICU will have a tertiary survey done within 48 hours of arrival to ICU. Patients admitted to the floor should have a TTS performed within 48 hours of arrival or prior to discharge. At the time of tertiary survey assessment, a more detailed history and physical should be obtained from the patient or patient’s family. The TTS will serve as the daily progress note for the trauma service the day it is performed. A reassessment of patient’s anatomy head to toe, lab results, and imaging reports reviewed and documented on tertiary trauma survey form. If assessment findings reveal missed injury, appropriate consults should be made and attending surgeon made aware.
RESOURCES/REFERENCES:
Biffl, Walter L; Harrington, David T MD, Ciaffi, William G MD. Implentation of Tertiary Trauma Survey Decreases Missed Injuries, The Journal of Trauma Injury, Infection, and Critical Care. 2003 v 54, 38-44.