Lecture Summary

To manage the complexity of trauma resuscitation, a systematic team-based and process-focused approach are needed to rapidly identify and treat life-threatening injuries and minimize team errors. Critical care nurses are an integral part of the resuscitation team so this presentation will provide a trauma resuscitation update. Whilst the primary survey is the mainstay of initial trauma care there has been a change of approach when managing ‘circulation’ with a focus on damage control resuscitation. Damage control resuscitation will be the main focus of the presentation. Other updates will also be highlighted including the management of the vulnerable geriatric population and surgical rib fixation. Finally, Relational Coordination and its importance in supporting team coordination and performance will be discussed.

Target Audience

Critical Care Nurses
Trainee Critical Care Doctors

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

• identify the geriatric population as a vulnerable group after suffering trauma
• describe the components of damage control resuscitation
• understand the Relational Coordination framework and reflect on the culture in their workplace and how Relational Coordination can be applied

None.