Triage Decision Tool for Ages 12-18

Triage Decision Tool: Adults & Children (12 - 18 years)

Vital Signs and Consciousness Assessment

• Assess vital signs using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); a score below 14 prompts action.
• A sustained systolic blood pressure lower than 90 mmHg indicates critical condition.
• Abnormal respiratory rates, either below 10 or above 29 breaths per minute, require immediate evaluation.
• A "Yes" response to any assessment criterion necessitates pre-alert via PD09 and activation of Major Trauma Centre (MTC) protocols.

Anatomy of Injury/ Injurie Assessment

• Severe chest wall injuries with respiratory compromise signify urgency for intervention.
• Traumatic proximal amputations (above wrist or ankle) require critical care.
• Penetrating trauma between the head and knees, which includes the axilla but excludes the arms, is concerning.
• Any arterial bleed necessitating a tourniquet indicates critical status.
• Spinal trauma presenting with abnormal neurology necessitates urgent assessment.
• Open fractures in upper or lower limbs, excluding wrists and toes, require immediate attention.
• Burns or scalds covering more than 30% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) are classified as severe.
• Facial burns with complete skin loss to the lower half of the face require rapid response.
• Circumferential burns due to flame injuries indicate potential compromise of limb viability.
• Affirmative responses here also trigger pre-alert via PD09 and MTC activation.

Patient Presentation and History

• Significant clinical concerns identified by ambulance staff signal the need for discussion with Critical Healthcare Unified Business (CHUB)/Advanced Paramedic Practice Clinical Coordinator (APPCC)/Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).
• Unmanageable airway conditions require diversion to the nearest trauma unit with pre-alert.
• Early clinical reports to HEMS or APPCC can facilitate enhanced clinical support on site.
• If the patient is eligible under Patient Group Directions (PGD) for Tranexamic Acid (TXA), administration should be performed en-route to the hospital.

Pre-alert Protocol

• C: Cad/Callsign for identification.
• A: Patient’s age to gauge care requirements.
• T: Time of injury for treatment timeline.
• M: Mechanism of injury to assess dynamics.
• I: Document injuries suspected or identified.
• S: Vital signs to monitor deterioration or stability.
• T: Treatments provided or required for effective handover.

This quiz assesses your understanding of the Triage Decision Tool for part of emergency care focused on adults and children aged 12-18. Evaluate vital signs and injury anatomy to make pre-alerts effectively. Test your knowledge of crucial assessment criteria to ensure proper patient management.