MNEMONIC FOR PRIMARY SURVEY DURING TRAUMA

MNEMONIC FOR PRIMARY SURVEY DURING TRAUMA

During Primary Survey, we need to detect the life threatening condition, so call "LETHAL SIX". These life threatening conditions are "clinical diagnosis" and require prompt management by managing team.Mnemonic ATOMFC.

1. A - AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
2. T- TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX
• present of pneumothorax with hemodynamically unstable
3. O-OPEN PNEUMOTHORAX
• the chest wound size should be 2/3 of trachea diameter size. Air will travel into path thaht less resistance.
4. M-MASSIVE HEMOTHORAX
• the amount of blood 1.5 liter during initial chest tube insertion or 200mls/h
• significant to refer cardiothoracic urgently
5. F- FLAIL CHEST
• paradoxical breathing. 3 or more ribs fracture with two points fracture each rib
6. C-CARDIAC TAMPONADE
• becks' triad but neither sensitive or specific