Abdominal Trauma

Abdominal trauma occurs in approximately one-fifth of all trauma presentations and can be challenging to diagnose and manage (Australian Trauma Quality Improvement Program 2012).

Blunt abdominal trauma following falls and road traffic crashes are responsible for most of the presentation when compared to penetrating trauma. Recognition of the different diagnostic pathways for blunt and penetrating trauma is related to the likelihood of local vs diffuse injury. In all mechanisms the aim of assessment is to identify life threatening haemorrhage, organ and hollow viscus injury to determine the urgency and type of intervention if required (Victorian State Trauma System 2021).

Training resource kits

Each kit is a collection of tools and resources to guide the effective delivery of a trauma education event. The kits are designed for use in any Queensland Health facility and can be modified by the facilitator to the needs of the learner, as well as the environment in which the education is being delivered.

Immersive scenarios

Blunt abdominal and orthopaedic trauma

This resource kit provides a framework for the assessment and management of a patient with blunt abdominal and orthopaedic trauma.

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Target Audience: Emergency department medical and nursing clinicians in a rural setting.

Management of blunt abdominal trauma – splenic injury

This resource kit provides healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to assess and manage a patient with blunt abdominal trauma.

Duration: 45-60 minutes.

Target Audience: Emergency department medical and nursing clinicians.

Case discussion

Blunt hepatic trauma

This resource kit provides healthcare workers with an understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilised for the optimal management of blunt hepatic trauma.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Target Audience: Emergency department medical, nursing and allied health clinicians.

Blunt renal trauma assessment

This resource kit provides healthcare workers with the knowledge of how to effectively perform an assessment on a patient with blunt renal trauma injury.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Target Audience: Emergency department medical and nursing clinicians.

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Other resources

Other resources and tools on the topic of abdominal trauma.

Clinical resources

Flowcharts

Last updated: September 16, 2024