TL;DR

Trauma Assessment: Systematic exam using DCAP-BTLS (Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling).

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Trauma Assessment

NREMT EMT NREMT PARAMEDIC

Definition

Systematic exam using DCAP-BTLS (Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling).

Assessment Techniques

Assessment techniques for trauma assessment:

APGAR: Components: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration. Scoring: 0-10 at 1 and 5 minutes, under 7 needs intervention
Trauma Score: Components: GCS, Systolic BP, Respiratory rate. Scoring: Revised Trauma Score: coded values 0-4, sum correlates with survival probability
Cincinnati Stroke Scale: Components: Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality. Scoring: Any 1 positive = 72% probability of stroke

Documentation

Documentation of trauma assessment in the patient care report (PCR) must include: time of assessment, findings, interventions performed, patient response, and reassessment findings. Use objective, measurable terms like "patient reports 8/10 chest pain" rather than "patient in pain." Document pertinent negatives. All medications administered must include drug name, dose, route, time, and patient response.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Protocol steps for trauma assessment:

Stroke recognition: Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (facial droop, arm drift, speech) then last known well time then transport to stroke center

Historical Context

The modern EMS system in the United States traces to the 1966 "Accidental Death and Disability" white paper (NAS/NRC). Understanding of trauma assessment has advanced significantly with evidence-based protocols. The NREMT, founded in 1970, standardized certification levels. Current ACLS and PALS guidelines are updated every 5 years by the AHA based on the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) evidence review.

Why It Matters

Assessment sequence and rapid vs. focused exam decisions heavily tested on NREMT.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What vital signs should be monitored when assessing trauma assessment?▼

For trauma assessment: ETCO2: 35-45 mmHg. GCS: 15 is normal, under 8 = severe TBI. respiratory rate: 12-20 breaths/min. Reassess every 5 minutes for unstable patients.

What equipment is needed for managing trauma assessment in the field?▼

For trauma assessment: BVM provides Bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation. AED provides Automated external defibrillator for VF/pVT. Pulse oximeter provides Measures SpO2 via infrared absorption through capillary bed.

What medications are commonly associated with trauma assessment?▼

For trauma assessment: naloxone: 0.4-2mg IV/IM/IN, titrate to respirations, route IV, IM, IN, for Opioid overdose. dextrose: D50W 25g IV (adult), D25W 2-4 mL/kg (peds), route IV/IO, for Hypoglycemia.