title: Critical primary survey injuries.
abstract: The primary survey as established by the advanced trauma life support protocol includes a directed history and physical exam aimed at the rapid diagnosis of life-threatening thoracic injuries. Most of these injuries can and should be found and treated during the initial evaluation of the patient without the need for additional diagnostic studies. In this article we review the role of the primary survey in the diagnosis and treatment of major thoracic injuries.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: DeArmond
authors.forename: Andrea J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Calhoon
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D055370:Lung Injury; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*