An evaluation of trauma team response in a major trauma hospital in 100 patients with predominantly minor injuries

Background: A prospective study of trauma team response and performance at a major trauma service was undertaken between June and September 1998. Methods: Following activation of the trauma team, the timing of the trauma team's arrival, the subsequent early management of the patient, time to mon itoring, X-ray investigation and procedures performed were documented. Results: The study evaluated 100 activations, 76% male, mean age 32 years a nd 65% were due to road trauma. The team leader, airway doctor and surgical registrar were present on patient arrival in 96%, 90% and 76% of cases, re spectively. The airway, procedure and scribe nurses were present on patient arrival in 77%, 97% and 95% of cases, respectively. The radiographer was p resent in 69% of cases. Comparison between normal and after-hour response r evealed little difference in medical and radiographer response, but the aft er-hour nurse response was significantly worse (P < 0.001). The median time to achieve electrocardiogram monitoring, blood pressure reading, and oxyge n saturation tracing was 3 (range: 1-13), 4 (range: 2-20) and 3 (range: 1-2 1) min, respectively. Intravenous cannulation, phlebotomy and dispatch of b loods occurred at median times of 5 (range: 2-22), 6 (range: 3-23) and 17 ( range: 7-40) min. The median times for intubation, chest tube and splintage of fracture were 10 (range: 3-19), 10 (range: 6-14) and 26 (range: 19-55) min, respectively. Conclusions: The present study identified an excellent multidisciplinary tr auma response and provides a template to improve performance in early traum a management.