History

Obtaining an adequate history could increase your chances of implementing appropriate trauma management.

Try to take an AMPLE history:

Bear in mind that some patients may be on medication which will alter their physiological response to injury or risk of complications.

For example:

• Corticosteroids will increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal perforation and will blunt the normal inflammatory response 
• Beta-blockers will mask a tachycardia
• Proton pump inhibitors will delay the onset of symptoms of peritonism in gastric perforation by reducing the acidity of the contaminating fluid