Extremity Trauma
The approach to the patient with extremity trauma is the same as any other trauma presentation with attention to life threatening external hemorrhage before completing a structured ABCD assessment. In the patient with significant limb injury further attention to specific features to suggest compartment syndrome, presence of wounds that require antibiotic coverage and tetanus prophylaxis or metabolic management in crush injury should be considered in the initial assessment.
Major limb trauma may also require the use of tourniquets, splints and direct pressure for hemorrhage control and familiarity of available equipment and local processes for application and removal of these should be available for clinician use.
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 scenario
This resource kit provides healthcare clinicians with the skills to assess and manage a patient with fat emboli following orthopaedic limb trauma.
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Target Audience: Emergency department medical and nursing clinicians
Case discussion
This resource kit provides healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to effectively interpret ankle x-rays for correct alignment following injury.
Duration: 30 minutes
Target Audience: Emergency department medical and nursing clinicians, physiotherapists
This resource kit provides clinicians with the knowledge for use including indications and contraindications for traction splint application in femoral fractures following 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 extremity trauma.
Courses
Trauma – Acute Compartment Syndrome aims to provide healthcare workers with a basic knowledge of acute limb compartment syndrome epidemiology, pathophysiology and assessment. It also aims to improve their confidence and ability to recognise, escalate and refer patients for time-critical surgical management.
Target Audience: Clinicians involved in the management of acute trauma patients (eg: emergency, general practice, surgical and trauma ward), and others at risk of developing compartment syndromes.
Last updated: July 14, 2025
