Hospital Triage: Trauma Team Activation

[bensonblues at comcast.net]

Pret,

Being  a conservative, when someone brings up changing something, I ask: Is there a problem with the current process? If so, then change is necessary. If not...

Our activation criteria are fairly simple: We use the ASC guidelines and modify prn. Basically, Code 1 - the patient needs THE surgeon immediately (the attending trauma surgeon on call). Code 2, 3 - the patient may need the trama surgeon later, but the resident team can manage. Any change in the need for the surgeon, can downgrade (stable patient with negative imaging), or upgrade (positive fast exam/CT on a patient who is stable or any patient who becomes unstable), bla bla. We have had no problems with this approach.

I think its quiet on the site because every one is busy - I know we are.

DB