This module provides an overview of the principles that drive trauma care. Students will review the causes of preventable trauma death, the importance of scene safety, situational awareness, mechanism of injury, and the time-sensitive nature of trauma management. These concepts form the foundation of the XABCDE approach and prepare students for the patient assessment and treatment priorities covered throughout the remainder of the course.
Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of preventable trauma death. Early recognition and rapid intervention are critical to improving patient outcomes. This module reviews the assessment and management of life-threatening bleeding, including tourniquet application, wound packing, pressure dressings, junctional hemorrhage control, and shock prevention. Students will learn to identify severe bleeding, apply appropriate hemorrhage control techniques, and prioritize interventions using the principles of trauma care.
Remember: bleeding that is not controlled cannot be corrected later. Find it. Fix it.
Airway management is a critical component of trauma care and remains a priority throughout the assessment process. Trauma patients may experience airway compromise due to facial injuries, bleeding, swelling, altered mental status, or other traumatic conditions that threaten oxygenation and ventilation.
This module reviews airway assessment, positioning, airway adjuncts, suctioning, ventilation techniques, advanced airway options, and airway decision making in the trauma patient. Students will review both basic and advanced airway management concepts and reinforce the principles of identifying airway problems early and intervening appropriately.
Remember: an airway problem that is not recognized cannot be corrected. Assess early, intervene when necessary, and reassess frequently.
Respiratory compromise is a leading cause of preventable death in trauma patients. Injuries affecting the chest, lungs, and respiratory system can rapidly impair oxygenation and ventilation, resulting in patient deterioration if not recognized and treated early.
This module reviews respiratory assessment, chest trauma recognition, open and tension pneumothorax, needle decompression, and ventilation considerations in the trauma patient. Students will review the identification of respiratory emergencies and the interventions used to support oxygenation and ventilation during trauma care.
Remember: recognizing respiratory compromise early and intervening quickly can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Adequate circulation and tissue perfusion are essential for patient survival following traumatic injury. Trauma patients may rapidly deteriorate due to blood loss, impaired circulation, or other conditions that reduce oxygen delivery to vital organs.
This module reviews perfusion assessment, recognition of shock, hemorrhagic shock, compensated and decompensated shock, trauma resuscitation priorities, and the use of resuscitation adjuncts. Students will review how to identify circulatory compromise, recognize patient deterioration, and prioritize interventions that support perfusion and improve patient outcomes.
Remember: shock is often easier to prevent than it is to reverse. Recognize it early, intervene appropriately, and reassess frequently.
Traumatic brain injury and hypothermia are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality following traumatic injury. Early recognition, appropriate management, and prevention of secondary injury are essential components of effective trauma care.
This module reviews traumatic brain injury, assessment findings, prevention of secondary brain injury, hypothermia prevention, and the trauma triad of death. Students will review the importance of maintaining oxygenation, ventilation, perfusion, and body temperature in order to improve patient outcomes.
Remember: while some traumatic injuries cannot be reversed in the field, preventing secondary injury remains one of the most important interventions a trauma provider can perform.
Trauma patients from special populations often present unique assessment and treatment challenges. Age, physiology, medical history, and injury patterns can significantly influence patient presentation and outcomes.
This module reviews key considerations for pediatric and geriatric trauma patients and highlights factors that may affect assessment, treatment priorities, and transport decisions.
While the principles of trauma care remain the same, providers should recognize that special populations may respond differently to injury and may require additional consideration during patient assessment and management.
Remember: treat the patient, not the age. Use the same trauma assessment process while recognizing the unique needs of each patient.
This pre-test is designed to assess your current understanding of key PHTLS concepts prior to attending the classroom portion of the course. The assessment is not intended to be punitive and will not prevent participation in the course.
The purpose of the pre-test is to:
• Identify strengths and areas for review
• Reinforce key trauma concepts
• Establish a baseline level of knowledge
• Help focus classroom discussion and instruction
Topics covered may include:
• Trauma assessment
• Massive hemorrhage control
• Airway management
• Respiration and ventilation
• Circulation and shock
• Head injury and hypothermia
• Special populations
Please complete the assessment independently and answer each question to the best of your ability. Once complete, proceed to the final module for course preparation information and day-of-class instructions.
Remember: this is a learning tool. The goal is to identify opportunities for review before class and help ensure a successful learning experience.
Congratulations on completing the online portion of the PHTLS Refresher Course.
This final module contains important information to help you prepare for class day. Please review all course details, required materials, schedule information, and student expectations before attending.
Topics covered in this module include:
• What to bring
• Course schedule
• Day-of-class instructions
• Required materials
• Classroom expectations
• Skills evaluation information
Completing this pre-course preparation allows us to spend more time during class focusing on practical skills, patient assessment, critical thinking, and realistic trauma scenarios.
Thank you for investing in your professional development and commitment to improving trauma patient care.
Remember: preparation is part of performance. Review the information in this module and arrive ready to learn, participate, and succeed.
