Trauma

Trauma is the body's response to overwhelming stress or physical disruption. It is manifested by lost systemic integrity evidenced by an inability to regain a state of physiological and psychological equilibrium.

Trauma patients require advanced medical care including surgery and often blood transfusion. In the field, emergency medical technicians use stabilization techniques to improve the chances of a trauma patient surviving the ambulance trip to the hospital.

The appropriate first aid for a trauma patient is to immediately call for help using the emergency medical service, then treat for shock. Also see wilderness first aid if immediate emergency help is unavailable.

See also medicine emergency medical service