This course teaches a structured approach to the first hour of care for a seriously injured adult, based on UK practice and NICE major trauma guidance. It covers trauma team preparation, the <C>ABCDE primary survey, control of catastrophic haemorrhage, major haemorrhage protocols, imaging decisions and safe handover, with a worked scenario. It does not replace accredited hands-on trauma training.
What you will learn
- Describe how UK major trauma networks, trauma teams and pre-alerts are organised, and how to prepare for the arrival of an injured patient.
- Carry out a structured <C>ABCDE primary survey, identifying and treating immediately life-threatening injuries in order of priority.
- Explain the principles of haemorrhage control, major haemorrhage protocols, tranexamic acid and permissive approaches to fluid resuscitation.
- Apply NICE guidance on spinal immobilisation, head injury and the use of whole-body CT in major trauma.
- Lead or contribute to a structured trauma team handover using a recognised format such as ATMIST.
Course content
- Major trauma in the UK (3 min)
- Preparing for arrival: the pre-alert (2 min)
- The primary survey: <C>ABCDE (4 min)
- Haemorrhage and shock (3 min)
- Spine, head injury and imaging (2 min)
- Worked scenario: a road traffic collision (3 min)
- Secondary survey, handover and safety (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- NICE guideline NG39: Major trauma: assessment and initial management (2016)
- NICE guideline NG40: Major trauma: service delivery (2016)
- NICE guideline NG41: Spinal injury: assessment and initial management (2016)
- NICE guideline NG232: Head injury: assessment and early management (2023)
- Royal College of Emergency Medicine: relevant best practice and safety guidance
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024); NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), including working within the limits of competence
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
The Adult Advanced Life Support Algorithm Explained (UK)
The adult ALS algorithm explained using Resuscitation Council UK 2025 guidelines: shockable and non-shockable rhythms, drug timings, 4 Hs and 4 Ts, and ROSC.
Paediatric Life Support in the UK: Key Steps and Differences From Adults
Paediatric life support in the UK explained: five rescue breaths, 15:2, infant compressions, weight-based doses, and how child resuscitation differs from adult.
The Trauma Primary Survey (<C>ABCDE) Explained
The trauma primary survey <C>ABCDE explained: catastrophic haemorrhage, airway and spine, breathing, circulation, disability and exposure, with NICE guidance.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.