Primary Survey Assessment (ABCDE / ATLS)
Systematic ABCDE primary survey documentation for trauma and critically ill patients per ATLS/ALS. Identifies life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention.
Score interpretation
→ Secondary survey; detailed history; targeted investigations; monitoring; reassess if any deterioration
→ Address abnormal system immediately before proceeding: airway adjunct / O2 / IV access and fluids / naloxone / glucose / wound compression; trauma team if major trauma
→ Immediate resuscitation team activation; RSI if airway at risk; bilateral chest decompression if tension pneumo; massive haemorrhage protocol (1:1:1 pRBC:FFP:platelets); emergency theatre; trauma surgeon immediately
Interpretation bands for the ABCDE Primary Survey. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Lipid Emulsion 20% (Intralipid) · Antidote / Resuscitation
- Tranexamic Acid (ICU/Trauma/Surgical) · Antifibrinolytic
- Labetalol (IV — Hypertensive Emergency) · Combined Alpha-1 and Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
- Labetalol (IV — Hypertensive Emergency) · Combined alpha and beta blocker
- Lipid Emulsion 20% (Intralipid) · Antidote / Resuscitation
- Tenecteplase · Cardiovascular Emergency
- Major Trauma — Primary Survey (ATLS) · ATLS 10th Edition; JRCALC; NICE NG39
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Burns — TBSA Estimation & Fluid Resuscitation · British Burn Association; EMSB; RCEM 2024
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed · NICE; BSG; ACPGBI — Commissioning Guide
- Acute Pancreatitis · NICE; IAP/APA; ACPGBI — CG104
- Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis · BAPS / RCPCH
Featured in these MRCEM clinical pathways
The ABCDE Primary Survey is covered in detail — with RCEM/NICE evidence base, indications and pitfalls — in the following exam-focused pathways on our sister siteReviseMRCEM.
MRCEM Primary / Intermediate / OSCE candidates: each pathway includes exam-style questions, RCEM/NICE citations, and FAQ summaries.
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.