The initial approach is the same as adults: immediate C-ABCD:

• C-control of catastrophic external bleeding
• ABCD
• Detailed secondary survey and emergency treatment (e.g. surgery)
• Continuous assessment and definitive treatment
• All assessments are made using ABC with trauma additions

Question: What life-threatening conditions need to be diagnosed and dealt with immediately?

Answer: Some injuries are life-threatening and require immediate treatment:

• Control of catastrophic external bleeding
• Airway obstruction
• Tension pneumothorax
• Open pneumothorax
• Massive haemothorax
• Massive lung contusion/flail chest
• Cardiac tamponade
• Shock – haemorrhagic
• Decompensating head injury