Revised Trauma Score (RTS)
Physiological trauma scoring tool based on Glasgow Coma Scale, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Used for field triage and as component of TRISS survival probability calculation.
Score interpretation
Probability of survival about 92 % at RTS 6, 97 % at RTS 7 and 98.8 % at 7.84 (Champion 1989).
→ Any coded value below 4 (T-RTS ≤ 11) still meets the physiological field-triage criterion for trauma-centre care; apply anatomical and mechanism criteria — a normal RTS does not exclude major injury.
Probability of survival about 61 % at RTS 4 and 81 % at RTS 5 (Champion 1989).
→ Priority 1 (immediate) triage. Major trauma centre activation.
Probability of survival 36 % at RTS 3 and lower below that (Champion 1989).
→ Immediate trauma team activation. Major trauma centre. Damage control resuscitation. TRISS calculation for survival probability.
Interpretation bands for the RTS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Champion HR, Sacco WJ, Copes WS, Gann DS, Gennarelli TA, Flanagan ME. A revision of the Trauma Score. J Trauma. 1989;29(5):623–629.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.