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Cruciform position for trauma resuscitation
Author(s) -
Mitra Biswadev,
Fitzgerald Mark C,
Olaussen Alexander,
Thaveenthiran Prasanthan,
BadeBoon Jordan,
Martin Katherine,
Smit De Villiers,
Cameron Peter A
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
emergency medicine australasia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1742-6723
pISSN - 1742-6731
DOI - 10.1111/1742-6723.12753
Subject(s) - medicine , resuscitation , intubation , airway management , intensive care medicine , medical emergency , surgery
Multiply injured patients represent a particularly demanding subgroup of trauma patients as they require urgent simultaneous clinical assessments using physical examination, ultrasound and invasive monitoring together with critical management, including tracheal intubation, thoracostomies and central venous access. Concurrent access to multiple body regions is essential to facilitate the concept of ‘horizontal’ resuscitation. The current positioning of trauma patient, with arms adducted, restricts this approach. Instead, the therapeutic cruciform positioning, with arms abducted at 90°, allows planning and performing of multiple life‐saving interventions simultaneously. This positioning also provides a practical surgical field with improved sterility and procedural access.