Program Overview

Introduction to the Trauma Block (GNK 583)

The Trauma Block (GNK 583) is a fifth-year block that aims to provide medical students with a thorough knowledge of how to handle patients who have fallen victim to trauma. Trauma may be defined as the sustaining of any physical injury, whether it be soft tissue injuries, crush injuries, exposure to a poisonous substance, or fractures of bones.

Contents of the Block

The block consists of two modules, one practical and the other theoretical.

Objective of the Trauma Practicals

The objective of the trauma practicals is to introduce students to clinical recognition of trauma emergencies, institution of emergency resuscitation, application of life-saving and life support maneuvers, and emergency treatment of the trauma victim. Using actors/models, students are taught the application of the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) (ABCDE) type approach to trauma.

Trauma Theory

The trauma theory comprises the introduction to the full spectrum of trauma as a disease. The following topics will be covered:

• Epidemiology of trauma
• Mechanisms of wounding, including ballistics
• The biological response to trauma
• Wound healing and complications of trauma
• Emergency treatment, resuscitation, and intensive care treatment of the trauma victim

A systematic course on a thematic basis will be given to cover the major organ systems prioritized according to the ATLS type approach of life-threatening, limb-threatening, or disfiguring injuries. Specifically, the following areas will be dealt with:

• Thoracic, cardiovascular, abdominal, head, and neck trauma as potential life-threatening injuries
• Orthopedic trauma as limb-threatening
• Skin injuries as mainly disfiguring
• Thermal, electrical, and chemical burns
• Hypothermia
• Introduction to physical and psychological rehabilitation and nutrition of the trauma victim

Skills Laboratory

The Skills Lab plays a pivotal role in the successful outcome of the module. Skills such as:

• How to assess an airway for functionality
• Securing an open airway
• Establishing a definitive airway
• How to administer oxygen therapy
• Monitoring oxygenation and ventilation
• The method used to intubate patients

are taught in the first week of the block. By the end of the second week, students will be able to:

• Establish intravenous access
• Recognize the cause of shock in a specific trauma victim
• Identify and manage possible fatal chest injuries
• Interpret thoracic x-rays