The Victorian State Trauma System (VSTS) provides support and retrieval services for critically ill trauma patients requiring definitive care, transfer, and management.

This early trauma care guideline provides evidence-based advice on the initial management and transfer of major trauma patients who present to Victorian health services with severe injuries.

This guideline is developed for all clinical staff involved in the care of trauma patients throughout Victoria. It is intended for use by frontline clinical staff that provide early care for major trauma patients; those working directly at the Major Trauma Service (MTS) as well as those working outside of a MTS.

This guideline provides the user with accessible resources to provide early care effectively and confidently for critically injured patients. This provides up-to-date information for frontline healthcare clinicians. The guideline has followed the AGREE II methodology for guideline development and is under the auspice of the Trauma System Advisory Committee (TSAC).⁽¹⁾

Clinical emphasis points

• A trauma team approach with a focus on communication, role delegation and implementation of clinical guidelines and practices is key to good trauma care.
• Primary survey and initial management of a trauma patient is used to detect and treat actual or imminent life threats and prevent complications from these injuries.
• Optimising resuscitation in the emergency setting and early notification to the retrieval network helps to promote timely transport to an appropriate facility.
• A balanced approach to fluid resuscitation until bleeding can be controlled.
• Adequate temperature control with avoidance of hypothermia is essential.
• Adult Retrieval Victoria (ARV) is the first point of call to initiate retrieval and transfer in the adult trauma patient.