Guidance on ‘Trauma and Stabilisation’ Module Sign-Off

Hello all

 

Trauma and stabilisation is intended to be delivered over the course of a whole training period (basic, intermediate, higher or advanced). I understand, and expect, therefore that this means I’ll be busy with requests for module completion forms in the run up to ARCPs.

 

Paperwork

– I suggest making an entry in your logbook (under miscellaneous) for all trauma calls you attend whether they happen at Stoke or in the trauma units that are in the rotation. This will allow you to record supervision, airway management and procedures. In the ‘operation’ field I suggest writing Trauma call – (type of injuries / destination, e.g. ED only / theatre / IR / ICU).

– WPBAs required are outlined in the trainee workbooks

 

Trauma courses

The intermediate workbook requires ATLS or equivalent only if you are not able to achieve the learning outcomes of the intermediate trauma module. However, ATLS (or preferably something better!) does help meet the learning outcomes considerably….

 

Case numbers / exposure

There won’t be a case number target – I’ll look at the core learning outcomes for each module and take into account complexity, range and supervision of cases together with any other learning (courses, elearning, CPD etc).

The intermediate training block is probably the most challenging to achieve since trauma calls at RSUH are attended by RAC / Consultant – getting to trauma calls as St3/4 is difficult and I appreciate this. But there are opportunities and you will hopefully encounter these cases in the trauma units as well.

 

Advanced training

If anyone in intermediate / higher training has ambitions of attending trauma calls at 0200 well in to their middle age then please do get in contact with me and we can plan an advanced module

 

Suggested reading

I recommend you have a look at 3 papers for a good overview on the limitations of ATLS, tension pneumothorax dogma vs real life and an education article on major haemorrhage management

  1. Archaic trauma life support?

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/anae.13166/full

  1. Tension pneumothorax – time for a re-think?

http://emj.bmj.com/content/22/1/8

  1. Major haemorrhage in trauma

https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/14/6/251/247523/Management-of-haemorrhage-in-major-trauma

 

Shameless plug……

If you’re looking to do a quick bit of elearning can I suggest the doctors.net.uk module on immediate management of major trauma? I’m not paid per user!

https://www.doctors.net.uk/ecme/wfrmNewIntro.aspx?moduleid=1646

 

Hope that’s helpful

 

Thanks

 

Alex

 

Alex James

Consultant, Trauma Resuscitation and Anaesthesia
Anaesthetics Department

Royal Stoke University Hospital

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

 

Email: alex.james@uhnm.nhs.uk

Mobile: 07976 839567