PREHOSPITAL TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT STUDY
GUIDE WITH FULL SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ Primary Survey. Answer: XABCDE
X: eXsanguinating hemorrhage (severe external bleeding)
A: airway management / c-spine (identify airway compromise)
B: breathing (identify breathing inadequacy)
C: circulation (identify shock, control mild/moderate bleeding)
D: disability (identify LOC)
E: expose /environment (identify significant injuries
◉ When to Press & When to Pack. Answer: apply direct pressure and
hemostatic packing and dressings for nonarterial severe bleeding in
extremities & all severe bleeding from truncal sites
◉ Junctional Hemmorrhage. Answer: bleeding that occurs where
two anatomically distinct zones come together
- lower abdomen, groin, armpit, near where extremities connect to
body
- use of TQ or pressure dressing in these areas is impractical and
ineffective
- use of elevation, pressure on pressure points is effective
,◉ oxygen deficiency signs. Answer: pale, cool, clammy
bluish discoloration of lips or nails
◉ Hemorrhage. Answer: the most common cause of preventable
death from trauma
- shock in trauma patients is almost always due to external or
internal hemorrhage
◉ Potential sites of massive internal hemmorhage. Answer: chest,
abdomen, pelvis, flanks of the back, extremities (thighs)
- bleeding here is not easy to control
◉ Decreased LOC. Answer: - decreased O2 to the brain
- CNS injury
- drug/alcohol overdose
- metabolic derangement (diabetes, seizures, cardiac arrest)
◉ PEARRL. Answer: pupils equal and round, regular in size, react to
light
◉ Intervention should be attempted when any of the following are
present. Answer: 1. threatened or inadequate airway
, 2. impaired ventilation (fast/slow RR, hypoxia, dyspnea, open chest
wound or flail chest, collapsed lung)
3. external hemorrhage or suspected internal hemorrhage
4. abnormal neuro status (decreased LOC, seizure activity,
sensory/motor deficit)
5. penetrating trauma to head, neck, torso, or proximal to elbow or
knee
6. amputation or near amputation proximal to fingers or toes
7. any significant trauma in the presence of the following:
- hx CAD, COPD, bleeding disorder, over 55, hypothermia, burns,
pregnant
◉ Diaster. Answer: situation in which the number of patients
presenting for medical assistance exceeds the capacity of healthcare
providers
◉ Triage Mnemonics. Answer: START : simple, triage, and rapid,
treatment
MASS: move, assess, sort, send
SALT: Sort, Assess, Lifesaving Intervention, Treatment & Transport
◉ SALT. Answer: highest priority: critical but survivable
delayed: non life threatening and can potentially tolerate a delay
minimal/green: minor injuries, walking wounded
GUIDE WITH FULL SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ Primary Survey. Answer: XABCDE
X: eXsanguinating hemorrhage (severe external bleeding)
A: airway management / c-spine (identify airway compromise)
B: breathing (identify breathing inadequacy)
C: circulation (identify shock, control mild/moderate bleeding)
D: disability (identify LOC)
E: expose /environment (identify significant injuries
◉ When to Press & When to Pack. Answer: apply direct pressure and
hemostatic packing and dressings for nonarterial severe bleeding in
extremities & all severe bleeding from truncal sites
◉ Junctional Hemmorrhage. Answer: bleeding that occurs where
two anatomically distinct zones come together
- lower abdomen, groin, armpit, near where extremities connect to
body
- use of TQ or pressure dressing in these areas is impractical and
ineffective
- use of elevation, pressure on pressure points is effective
,◉ oxygen deficiency signs. Answer: pale, cool, clammy
bluish discoloration of lips or nails
◉ Hemorrhage. Answer: the most common cause of preventable
death from trauma
- shock in trauma patients is almost always due to external or
internal hemorrhage
◉ Potential sites of massive internal hemmorhage. Answer: chest,
abdomen, pelvis, flanks of the back, extremities (thighs)
- bleeding here is not easy to control
◉ Decreased LOC. Answer: - decreased O2 to the brain
- CNS injury
- drug/alcohol overdose
- metabolic derangement (diabetes, seizures, cardiac arrest)
◉ PEARRL. Answer: pupils equal and round, regular in size, react to
light
◉ Intervention should be attempted when any of the following are
present. Answer: 1. threatened or inadequate airway
, 2. impaired ventilation (fast/slow RR, hypoxia, dyspnea, open chest
wound or flail chest, collapsed lung)
3. external hemorrhage or suspected internal hemorrhage
4. abnormal neuro status (decreased LOC, seizure activity,
sensory/motor deficit)
5. penetrating trauma to head, neck, torso, or proximal to elbow or
knee
6. amputation or near amputation proximal to fingers or toes
7. any significant trauma in the presence of the following:
- hx CAD, COPD, bleeding disorder, over 55, hypothermia, burns,
pregnant
◉ Diaster. Answer: situation in which the number of patients
presenting for medical assistance exceeds the capacity of healthcare
providers
◉ Triage Mnemonics. Answer: START : simple, triage, and rapid,
treatment
MASS: move, assess, sort, send
SALT: Sort, Assess, Lifesaving Intervention, Treatment & Transport
◉ SALT. Answer: highest priority: critical but survivable
delayed: non life threatening and can potentially tolerate a delay
minimal/green: minor injuries, walking wounded
