Learning Trauma

[Perrotfish]

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I have an upcoming trauma rotation, and my goal is to understand the basics of emergent trauma. What books, articles, and/or podcasts would you guys recommend for understanding trauma? Also, is it worth it to take ATLS? Does the EM community currently agree with the ATLS algorithims for trauma? Thanks in advance.

 

[Daiphon]

I have an upcoming trauma rotation, and my goal is to understand the basics of emergent trauma. What books, articles, and/or podcasts would you guys recommend for understanding trauma? Also, is it worth it to take ATLS? Does the EM community currently agree with the ATLS algorithims for trauma? Thanks in advance.

To understand the basics, go to a good EM text (Tintinalli or Rosen's) and maybe a surgical text... most trauma programs are run by the steel-mongers, so knowing their "bible" might help.

As for taking ATLS, as you're a med student, I'll go out on a limb and say it's not worth it... you can get the algorithms with a quick google search; and the time/cost is not beneficial to you on a trauma rotation. Plus, when you get to residency, most programs will pay for this "merit badge" as part of your training. You really only need it post-residency when you're trying to get credentialed (and even then, many places don't put much on it, especially if not Level 1)... as a resident, you're under someone else's license who presumably on a trauma service would have ATLS certification. So, since you can get the info without spending the $$$, don't.

As for your last question, yes. We typically follow the algorithms. With experience, they'll become second nature and you'll learn when to use them (e.g. a minor trauma with a sprained ankle does not need a full-blown trauma workup... but a sprained ankle with alcohol on board and a significant mechanism likely does).

Good luck!
-t

 

[The White Coat Investor]

ATLS is a great introduction to trauma care. But don't get into the habit of thinking it is gospel.

 

[Hamhock]

ATLS is a great introduction to trauma care. But don't get into the habit of thinking it is gospel.

👍

For a medical student, I think a good "read" of the ATLS book is worthwhile.

The $$ grab from the course or merit badge is worthless.

A rotating med student's success (which usually means - to the student - an "honors") has nothing to do with the actual care of the trauma patient; but, rather, attention-to-detail, documentation, reliability, subservience, etc.

If you want to learn how to handle trauma (esp. non-surgical trauma, which is most trauma), do not worry about what the ACS says about it: seek a 'hard-core' EM program with "plenty" of trauma (where the sickest traumas are not taken quickly to the ICU or OR).

HH