Early Activation

Upon notification of a trauma call, the ED begins preparation to receive the patient, including notification to the Radiology team.

• Ultrasound machines should be available in the ED for experienced providers to use as part of the initial reception.
• The ED radiology staff are required to be ready and waiting to undertake the requested imaging in the resuscitation bay.
• CT facilities should be cleared of patients and ready to receive the patient once a decision is made to take the patient through the scanner.

Ultrasound has evolved to be a mainstay in the detection of life threatening bleeding in the emergency department and is now part of the standard training for doctors working in the Resuscitation environment.