A system for working with unidentified trauma patients

Abstract

Problems can occur when trauma centers receive severely injured unidentified patients who require immediate interventions. Most health care facilities rely on computerized databases to keep patient records and to requisition care. Although computerization of records increases accuracy and efficiency, it is a disadvantage in an emergency setting if the database requires complete identification to issue a chart and medical record number. A method that allows for unique identification of unknown patients is presented along with how it is implemented and changed once the patient's identity is found.