further surveys
Last reviewed 01/2018
Even whilst performing the primary ATLS survey, the clinician should keep in mind the entire protocol and constantly check each item.
The secondary survey should be carried out like the first, except attention should be paid to detail, and everything done fully. The patient should be examined from head to toe and a full neurological examination performed.
Meanwhile, other members of the team should be preparing to treat life threatening injuries, i.e.:
- relieve rising intracranial pressure
- thoracotomy for heart and great vessel injury
- laparotomy for GI perforation or splenic rupture
- repair of major peripheral vascular injuries