Last reviewed: June 2020
Last updated: November
2017
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- loss of consciousness
- prehospital CPR or defibrillation
- tachycardia
- hypotension
- low Glasgow coma score
- burns
- physical injuries
Other diagnostic factors
- diminished peripheral pulses and poor capillary refill
- low core body temperature
- confusion
- paralysis
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- ECG
- CBC
- electrolytes
- LFTs
- coagulation studies
- CK
- urine myoglobin
- cardiac enzymes (CK-MB and troponin)
- toxicology screen
- CXR
Treatment algorithm
ACUTE
Contributors
Authors
Assistant Director
The Washington Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program
Washington
PA
Disclosures
TGP declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
UPMC St. Margaret Family Medicine Residency and Faculty Development Fellowship
Osteopathic Family Practice/Rotating Internship Program
Pittsburgh
PA
Disclosures
SJR declares that he has no competing interests.
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery
SUNY
Buffalo
NY
Disclosures
CCI declares that she has no competing interests.
Chief Physician
Centre for Severe Burns Injuries with Plastic Surgery
Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin (Trauma Hospital Berlin)
Berlin
Germany
Disclosures
BH declares that he has no competing interests.
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