Name of the Procedure:

Trauma Response Team Activation Associated with Hospital Critical Care Service (G0390)

• Common Name(s): Trauma Team Activation, Trauma Response
• Technical/Medical Term: Trauma Response Team Activation

Summary

When a person suffers severe trauma, like from a major accident or injury, a specialized medical team called a Trauma Response Team is rapidly activated. This team provides immediate, critical care to stabilize the patient, often right in the emergency room.

Purpose

This procedure addresses severe injuries or trauma, such as those due to car accidents, falls, or violent incidents. The goal is to quickly stabilize life-threatening conditions, minimize damage, and prepare the patient for further treatment or surgery.

Indications

• Severe head, neck, chest, or abdominal injuries
• Major bone fractures
• Significant blood loss or hemorrhage
• Multi-system trauma
• Very high-risk trauma cases identified by emergency responders

Preparation

• No specific pre-procedure preparation since it is activated in emergencies
• Pre-hospital care providers may perform initial stabilization and assessment

Procedure Description

1. Activation: The trauma response team is notified and mobilized immediately upon patient arrival or based on pre-hospital reports.
2. Initial Assessment: The team performs a rapid primary assessment (ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
3. Stabilization: Critical interventions such as securing the airway, controlling bleeding, and supporting circulation are performed.
4. Diagnostics: Immediate imaging (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) and lab tests are ordered and performed to assess internal injuries.
5. Ongoing Care: Continuous monitoring and interventions, including surgery if needed, are executed.

Tools and Equipment:

• Advanced airway devices, ventilators
• IV lines and fluids for resuscitation
• Diagnostic imaging equipment
• Emergency surgical tools

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• May involve local, regional, or general anesthesia depending on injuries.

Duration

The initial trauma response and stabilization typically take 15-30 minutes, but the overall care can extend over several hours or days depending on patient needs.

Setting

Usually performed in the emergency department of a hospital, often in a specialized trauma bay.

Personnel

• Trauma surgeons
• Emergency physicians
• Anesthesiologists
• Critical care nurses
• Radiologists
• Respiratory therapists

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Adverse reactions to medications or anesthesia
• Potential for organ failure or other complications from severe injuries

Benefits

• Rapid stabilization of life-threatening conditions
• Increased chances of survival
• Prompt initiation of necessary emergency treatments and surgeries

Recovery

• Intensive monitoring and care in an ICU
• Gradual transition to less intensive care units or rehabilitation
• Instruction on wound care, medication, physical therapy
• Recovery time varies widely based on the extent of injuries

Alternatives

• No alternative for immediate life-threatening trauma, but subsequent treatments may include surgery, physical therapy, or other medical interventions depending on the injuries

Patient Experience

• The patient may be unconscious or very disoriented initially
• Pain management includes strong painkillers and sedation as needed
• Emotional and psychological support offered as the patient regains awareness

Using the trauma response team can significantly enhance outcomes in severe trauma cases, offering patients the best chance for recovery through immediate and specialized care.