What are the key steps in the Lewis Trauma Algorithm during patient assessment?

The Lewis Trauma Algorithm emphasizes a systematic approach to patient assessment in trauma situations, consisting of three distinct phases: the Primary Survey, Secondary Survey, and Tertiary Survey.

The Primary Survey is crucial as it focuses on identifying life-threatening conditions and initiating immediate interventions. This includes ensuring airway patency, assessing breathing, and checking circulation—the ABCs of trauma care. The goal is to quickly identify and manage critical issues that could compromise the patient's life.

Following the Primary Survey, the Secondary Survey involves a more thorough head-to-toe assessment of the patient. This step is dedicated to finding additional injuries and taking a comprehensive patient history, which is vital for planning subsequent care and interventions.

The Tertiary Survey, often performed later in the treatment process, is aimed at reviewing the patient's condition and ensuring that nothing was overlooked during the initial assessments. This step allows for the reassessment of previously identified injuries and monitoring for any new symptoms or changes in the patient's status.

Choosing this sequence underlines the importance of thoroughness and systematic structure in trauma care, ensuring that all critical aspects of assessment and intervention are addressed in a timely manner.