traumateams

Trauma teams are multidisciplinary, rapidly mobilized groups in hospitals designed to manage patients with life-threatening injuries. Activation occurs when prehospital triage or emergency department assessment indicates major trauma. The aim is to deliver rapid assessment, hemorrhage control, and definitive care within established timeframes.

Core members typically include a trauma surgeon or general surgeon, an emergency physician, an anesthesiologist, a critical care nurse or trauma nurse, a radiology technologist, and a respiratory therapist. Additional specialists such as orthopedic, neurosurgery, vascular, and maxillofacial surgeons, as well as pharmacists, social workers, and chaplains, may be called as needed. In high-volume Level I centers, teams are built around 24/7 availability with dedicated trauma bays and operating rooms.

Activation criteria use mechanism of injury, vital signs, and findings on primary survey, with different levels ranging from full activation to limited activation. Protocols are typically ATLS-based and rely on checklists and time targets (for example, door-to-CT and door-to-operating room intervals). Prehospital teams may relay information and activate the hospital trauma team prior to arrival.

On arrival, the team conducts a primary survey, resuscitation, imaging (FAST/eFAST, radiographs, and CT when indicated), and definitive hemorrhage control. Decisions between operative management and nonoperative approaches are made rapidly, with interventional radiology as an option for bleeding control, and with ICU admission for ongoing care.

Performance is monitored through metrics such as time to imaging and intervention, mortality, complications, and adherence to protocols. Debriefs and quality improvement programs analyze cases and update guidelines.

In some literature, these groups are referred to as traumateams. Challenges include staffing constraints, burnout, and variation in activation criteria across institutions or regions. Training often emphasizes simulation and multidisciplinary drills to improve coordination.