EC Paediatrics

Review Article Volume 13 Issue 2 - 2024

Primary and Secondary Survey in the Management of Pediatric Trauma

Abdulnasser Ahmed Skheita*

Pediatric Consultant, Head of Pediatric Department, Hotat Bani Tamim General Hospital, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author: Abdulnasser Ahmed Skheita, Pediatric Consultant, Head of Pediatric Department, Medical Director, Hotat Bani Tamim General Hospital, Saudi Arabia.
Received: January 10, 2024; Published: January 30, 2024



Trauma is the leading cause of death and acquired disability in children and adolescents.

The initial evaluation in ED has two main goals:

  1. Identify and immediately treat potentially life threatening injuries.
  2. Determine disposition after the trauma resuscitation on the basis of known or suspected injuries.

ATLS “Advance Trauma Life Support” consists of:

  • First Phase: primary survey A, B, C, D, E “exposure environment”
  • Second Phase: Secondary survey detailed head to toe examination with detailed evaluation that identifies other injuries with SAMPLE (Sign-Allergy-Medication-Past Medical History-Last Meal-Event).

 Keywords: Trauma; Primary Survey; Secondary Survey

  1. Jerry J Zimmerman and Alexandre T Rotta. “Pediatric Critical Care, Sixth Edition” (2022): 1363-1374.
  2. , et al. “Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine, Sixth Edition” (2014).
  3. Jessica A Naiditch., et al. “Evaluation, Stabilization, and Initial Management After Trauma: 1363.
  4. Pradeep Jain., et al. “Atlas of Practical Neonatal and Pediatric Procedures” (2013).
  5. Martin Samuels and Sue Wieteska. “Advanced Paediatric Life Support” A Practical approach to Emergency, Sixth Edition” (2016).

Abdulnasser Ahmed Skheita. "Primary and Secondary Survey in the Management of Pediatric Trauma". EC Paediatrics 13.2 (2024): 01-36.