An Algorithmic Approach to Triaging Facial Trauma on the Sidelines.
On-the-field evaluation of facial trauma requires a focused initial assessment of the patient's airway and breathing with a knowledge of the critical associated injuries. The initial triage in facial trauma involves assessing and protecting the athlete's airway, breathing, and cervical spine. The algorithm then requires a repeat evaluation for subtle causes of airway obstruction and aspiration risks. Final steps include control of hemorrhage, recognition of neurologic and ophthalmologic disability, and complete exposure of the athlete to examine for other associated injury. The ABC repeat ABCDE mnemonic allows providers to avoid missing critical injuries that require immediate intervention.
Mayo Clinic, 1216 2nd Street Southwest, Generose Building 410, Rochester, MN 55902, USA. Electronic address: Colbenson.kristina@mayo.edu.
Kristi
K
Colbenson
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis; D000465:Algorithms; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D012119:Respiration; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods*
Airway protection; Facial trauma in sports; Initial triage