Trauma Severity Index

The Trauma Index can be used to rapidly evaluate patients with traumatic injury.

Point assignment for injury severity:

(1) minimal injury: 1

(2) moderate injury: 3 or 4

(3) severe injury: 6

Parameter	Finding	Points
region	head or neck	6
	chest or abdomen	4
	back	3
	skin or extremities	1
type of injury	missile	6
	blunt	4
	stab wound	3
	laceration or contusion	1
cardiovascular status	absent pulses	6
	blood pressure < 80, pulse > 140	4
	blood pressure < 100, pulse > 100	3
	external hemorrhage	1
	normal	0
central nervous system status	coma	6
	motor or sensory loss	4
	stupor	3
	drowsy	1
	normal	0
respiratory status	apnea or cyanosis	6
	evidence of aspiration	4
	dyspnea or hemoptysis	3
	chest pain	1
	normal	0

trauma index =

= (points for region) + (points for type of injury) + (points for cardiovascular status) + (points for CNS status) + (points for respiratory status)

Interpretation:

• minimum score with trauma: 2

• maximum score: 30

• scores > 7 need admission to the hospital

Limitations:

• The index is not intended for burn patients.

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Purpose: To use the Trauma Index to rapidly evaluate patients with traumatic injuries.