ATLS –A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Management of the multiply injured patient requires a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach in order to optimize patient’s outcome. A working knowledge of the sort of problems these patients encounter is therefore vital to ensure that life-threatening injuries are recognized and treated in a timely pattern and that more minor associated injuries are not omitted. This article outlines the management of polytraumatized patients using the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) principles and highlights the areas of specific involvement of the engaged medical team.Advanced Trauma Life Support is generally regarded as the gold standard and is founded on a number of well-known principles, but strict adherence to protocols may have its drawbacks when facial trauma co-exists. These can arise in the presence of either major or minor facial injuries, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons need to be aware of the potential problems.