Field Categories of Trauma Patients

Severity of Injury

Category

severe

I

moderate

II

less severe

III

System

Injury

Category

soft tissue

avulsion type injuries

1

severe, uncontrolled bleeding

1

soft tissue injuries with stabilized bleeding

2

soft tissue injuries of moderate degree

3

fractures

multiple open fractures

1

pelvic fractures

1

single open fracture

2

closed fractures

2

uncomplicated fractures

3

abdomen

blunt or penetrating abdominal injuries associated with hypotension

1

blunt abdominal or penetrating trauma not producing hypotension

2

no abdominal injuries

3

chest

unstable chest injuries

1

respiratory rate > 30 or < 10 per minute

1

multiple rib fractures without flail segments

2

respiratory rate > 20 or <= 30

2

no respiratory distress, respiratory rate 10-20

3

head and neck, upper respiratory

severe maxillofacial injuries

1

open penetrating and blunt trauma to face, neck and cervical spine

1

multiple facial fractures

1

injuries affecting vision

1

facial trauma with single facial fracture without airway or major cervical vascular or cervical spine involvement

2

simple contusions of head and neck

3

nasal fractures

3

neurological

prolonged loss of consciousness

1

posturing

1

lateralizing signs

1

open cranial injuries

1

paralysis

1

transient loss of consciousness, but now oriented to time, place and person

2

no neurological injuries

3

vital signs

blood pressure < 90 mm Hg; pulse > 100 or < 60; skin cool, ashen pale

1

blood pressure 90-100 mm Hg systolic; pulse 60-100; skin warm to slightly cool

2

blood pressure > 100 mm Hg systolic; pulse 60-100; skin dry and warm

3