The Deadly Triad of Trauma Course Overview

Trauma — any external force applied to the body that results in tissue injury — can cause injuries ranging from mild to life-threatening. Known as the “deadly triad of trauma,” the combination of hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy is a response to trauma that can lead to death. This course covers the deadly triad of trauma, including manifestations, primary and secondary survey and resuscitation interventions.

Upon course completion, learners should be able to provide evidence-based care to the trauma patient, including recognizing manifestations of and implementing appropriate interventions for the prevention and management of the “deadly triad” of hyperthermia, acidosis and coagulopathy.

Objectives

• Recognize the three components of the deadly triad of trauma
• Distinguish contributing factors and manifestations of hypothermia in a trauma patient
• Discuss assessment and resuscitation interventions for preventing and treating the deadly triad of trauma
• Outline continued care interventions and monitoring of patients at risk for developing the deadly triad of trauma