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. 2020 Dec 1;5(3):23-30.
doi: 10.29045/14784726.2020.09.5.3.23.

Tools to predict acute traumatic coagulopathy in the pre-hospital setting: a review of the literature

Simon Robinson  1 , Jordan Kirton  2
Affiliations

Tools to predict acute traumatic coagulopathy in the pre-hospital setting: a review of the literature

Simon Robinson et al. Br Paramed J. .

Abstract

Introduction: Recognising acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) poses a significant challenge to improving survival in emergency care. Paramedics are in a prime position to identify ATC in pre-hospital major trauma and initiate appropriate coagulopathy management.

Method: A database literature review was conducted using Scopus, CINAHL and MEDLINE.

Results: Two themes were identified from four studies: prediction tools, and point-of-care testing. Prediction tools identified key common ATC markers in the pre-hospital setting, including: systolic blood pressure, reduced Glasgow Coma Score and trauma to the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Point-of-care testing was found to have limited value.

Conclusion: Future research needs to explore paramedics using prediction tools in identifying ATC, which could alert hospitals to prepare for blood products for damage control resuscitation.

Keywords: acute traumatic coagulopathy; damage control resuscitation; decision tools; major trauma; paramedic; pre-hospital care.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

None
Figure 1. PRISMA flow diagram.
Adapted from Moher et al. (2009).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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