Classification and evaluation of accident patients

·  All evaluations and re-evaluations are conducted in accordance with the evaluation and re-evaluation policy by qualified doctors and nurses and in accordance with the hospital’s regulations and laws

·  All evaluations, re-evaluations and examination results are documented in the patient's medical file

Assessment of trauma patients at the reception

Trauma assessment  is a fundamental process that aims to determine the extent and severity of injuries sustained by a patient as a result of an accident or serious injury, and to provide the necessary care as quickly as possible. This assessment aims to determine medical priorities to ensure the patient's safety and preserve his life

 The assessment includes several methodological steps, usually following the “ ABCDE ” approach, which is an acronym for the basic emergency assessment stages:

A – Airway :

Ensure that the airway is open and clear. If the patient is unconscious or has an airway obstruction, the airway is opened using techniques such as head tilt, chin lift, or insertion of a breathing tube

B – Breathing :

Evaluate the breathing process and its efficiency. Ensure that the patient is breathing effectively, and find out if there are any breathing difficulties or injuries affecting the lungs (such as an open chest or a collapsed lung)

C – Circulation :

Checking the pulse, blood pressure, and amount of blood flowing to the extremities. Ensuring that the heart is working properly and that blood circulation is sufficient to transport oxygen and nutrients to the tissues

D – Disability (neurological disabilities or disorders):

Assessing the patient's state of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale . Examining nerve functions and determining whether there is any paralysis or sensory impairment

E – Exposure (full exposure and comprehensive examination) :

Fully examine the patient's body to identify any other unseen injuries, such as deep wounds or burns. Control body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Additional steps: Medical history: It is important at an advanced stage to know the patient's medical history and medications. Imaging and diagnosis: Some injuries may require imaging methods such as X-rays or CT scans to determine the severity of internal injuries.

Secondary assessment:

After the patient’s vital status is stabilized, a secondary assessment is performed, which includes a more detailed examination of less serious injuries, and gathering historical information related to the accident or injury. The importance of assessing trauma patients: Evaluating trauma patients quickly and accurately helps in: Saving the patient’s life: Rapid intervention in critical injuries such as airway obstruction or severe bleeding can be crucial in saving the patient’s life. Reducing complications: Early intervention helps prevent the development of complications that may worsen the patient’s condition. Prioritizing: In disasters or mass accidents, assessment helps in sorting patients according to priority to provide the necessary care. Conclusion: Assessing trauma patients is a vital process that requires medical training and expertise to identify serious injuries and intervene quickly to preserve the patient’s life. The process is based on the ABCDE methodology , which helps in focusing on the most important vital functions in the body and ensuring their stability before proceeding with assessment and treatment

Patient assessment at reception

The patient's journey through the reception (or emergency) department includes a series of steps aimed at providing health care effectively and quickly. These steps can vary slightly depending on the health system and hospital, but in general they include the following :

1. Initial reception

• Reception and Registration : When a patient arrives at the emergency department, he or she is registered by the receptionist. Registration includes collecting basic information such as name, date of birth, contact information, and health insurance if applicable .
• Initial triage : The receptionist or initial assessment nurse determines the severity of the condition based on the patient's symptoms. This may include measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse .

2. Initial medical assessment

• Medical Evaluation : The patient is examined by a physician or nurse. The medical evaluation includes collecting a complete medical history, performing physical examinations, and determining the need for additional tests or interventions .
• Prioritization : Based on the medical assessment, the patient's condition is classified according to priority. There may be a classification according to the four-stage system  (red, yellow, green, blue)or another system to determine the severity .

3. Diagnosis and examinations

• Examinations and tests : If necessary, additional tests such as blood tests, X-rays, or other imaging tests are ordered to accurately determine the diagnosis .
• Initial treatment : Based on the assessment and diagnosis, appropriate treatment is initiated. Treatment may include medications, fluids, or emergency interventions .

4. Monitoring and treatment

• Monitoring : The patient's health condition is continuously monitored during the treatment period in the emergency department. The condition is updated as needed and the treatment plan is modified based on the development of the condition .
• Specialist consultation : If the case requires specialized interventions, specialist doctors are consulted or the patient is referred to the appropriate department .

5. Exit or  transfer

• Discharge decision : After the patient's condition has stabilized and received the necessary treatment, a decision is made regarding his discharge. The patient is given clear instructions regarding home care and medications, if needed .
• Transfer to hospital : If the condition requires continuous care or advanced interventions, the patient is transferred to the appropriate hospital department or intensive care unit .
• Documentation : All treatment details and evaluations are documented in the patient’s file to ensure good follow-up and provide a comprehensive medical record .

6. Education and follow-up

• Education: The patient and family are instructed about follow-up care, medications, warning signs, and when to return to the hospital .

Follow-up : A follow-up appointment may be scheduled with a specialist doctor or at the emergency clinic to review the condition and ensure that no complications have occurred .