Westmead Trauma Algorithm

PURPOSE
The Westmead Hospital Trauma Clinical Algorithms have been developed utilising evidence-based information to enhance patient and clinical decision-making and improve efficiency in delivery of safe, standardised health care.

INTENDED AUDIENCE
The algorithms presented are intended primarily for health professionals and the following audiences, specifically at Westmead Hospital, Sydney NSW Australia:
Physicians, nurses and other health care professionals
Health care administrators
Researchers

OTHER AUDIENCES INCLUDING PATIENTS
If you are a patient and accessing these algorithms, you should understand that the information presented is designed for the use of the expert audiences, identified above. You should seek assistance from your health care professional in interpreting these materials and applying them in individual cases.

MEDICAL ADVICE
The algorithms are evidence-based processes that are intended to assist physician and patient decisions regarding the health care of trauma patients at Westmead Hospital. Although designed to standardise decision plans for trauma, the algorithms cannot address the unique needs of each patient or the combination of resources available to a particular community or health care professional. The algorithms are not entirely inclusive or exclusive of all methods of reasonable care that can result in the same outcome. Deviation from these algorithms may be justified by individual circumstances. The use of these algorithms outside Westmead Hospital must be applied based on individual patient requirements using expert, professional judgment.

DISCLAIMERS
The algorithms are for use specifically at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia. The creator and contributors to these algorithms do not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the use/application or resulting outcomes thereof these guidelines, both within or outside Westmead Hospital.
Westmead Hospital does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and/or clinical efficacy of these algorithms.

Recent changes:
1. Updated trauma pathways and emergency management protocols
2. Revised rib fracture and thoracic injury risk scoring
3. Improved spinal clearance guidance
4. Updated haemorrhage and resuscitation flows
5. Expanded glossary and terminology updates