INITIAL  ER ASSESSMENT  AND  INTERVENTIONS

Upon arrival to the Emergency Room (ER), rapidly evaluate the patient and rule out traumatic injury. Perform primary (ABCDE) and secondary assessment with specific focus on the following: secure airway, provide adequate oxygenation, ensure hemodynamic stability, gastric decompression, thermal insulation, and identifying concomitant traumatic injury.  10,11,19,22  Following initial ER resuscitation, specific systems-based interventions may be applied as noted in the ICU Management section. Additional immediate interventions below (does not substitute for ER standards of care):