Trauma injuries. Triage and stabilization for safe transfer.

Categorization of trauma injuries and identification of special resources and facilities for treatment of major injuries have markedly affected morbidity and mortality. Reduction in trauma morbidity and mortality depends on early identification of severely injured patients, proper initial stabilization, and safe interhospital transfer. The trauma score and the American College of Surgeons anatomical injury categorization are valuable triage tools. Protocols for initial stabilization and for safe transfer have been described to assist the primary referring physician in providing optimal early care.