Stay Calm. Take Control. Save Lives.

Trauma cases can feel overwhelming, but a clear, step-by-step approach makes all the difference. In this module, you'll learn how to assess and stabilise injured patients quickly and confidently. You'll cover:

- How to triage effectively, both over the phone and when the patient arrives
- A structured ABCD primary survey to spot and treat the most urgent problems first
- Using bedside ultrasound (AFAST/TFAST) and basic blood tests to get critical answers fast
- Recognising shock and life-threatening bleeding and knowing when to reach for blood products
- Providing pain relief safely, even in unstable patients

Real-world case examples will demonstrate precisely how to apply these skills in practice. By the end, you'll have a clear plan for approaching any trauma patient, so you can act decisively when every minute counts.

Recognise Subtle Signs. Protect the Brain. Improve Outcomes.

Traumatic brain injury can look very different from patient to patient, and early decisions have a significant impact on recovery. In this module, you'll learn how to spot, assess, and treat TBI confidently. You'll cover:

- How to recognise TBI when it's not obvious and when to suspect it based on trauma history
- A step-by-step approach to the neurological exam, including how to use the modified Glasgow Coma Scale
- The difference between primary and secondary brain injury and why early intervention matters
- Managing intracranial pressure with hyperosmolar therapy (mannitol or hypertonic saline)
- When to use imaging and how to interpret findings
- Safe stabilisation: oxygen, fluid therapy, seizure control, and careful analgesia

You'll also see real-life cases illustrating how treatment decisions can alter the course of recovery. By the end, you'll have a clear plan to approach any suspected TBI from first contact through the critical first hours.

Recognize, Stabilize, and Protect the Airway

Respiratory trauma can deteriorate rapidly, making early recognition and decisive action critical. This module teaches you how to assess, stabilise, and treat breathing emergencies with confidence. You'll learn how to:

- Spot and differentiate common injuries: pneumothorax, lung contusions, diaphragmatic hernia, rib fractures, and airway tears
- Use oxygen therapy effectively, including when to escalate to high-flow oxygen or intubation
- Perform thoracocentesis and place chest drains step by step, with practical tips to stay calm under pressure
- Manage pain safely without compromising breathing
- Recognise “look-alike” conditions that cause tachypnea but aren't true respiratory emergencies

Real case examples will show how small decisions, like early drainage or choosing the right analgesia, can be lifesaving. By the end of this module, you'll be prepared to quickly assess any dyspneic trauma patient and take action to protect their airway and improve oxygenation.

Think Systematically. Recognise Hidden Injuries. Act Early.

Abdominal trauma can be deceptive; significant injuries often hide behind a normal-looking exterior. This module shows you how to identify and manage life-threatening problems before it's too late. You'll learn how to:

- Differentiate blunt from penetrating trauma and understand their common injury patterns
- Use AFAST, radiographs, and contrast studies to diagnose hemoabdomen, uroabdomen, diaphragmatic hernia, and GI perforation
- Recognise when free fluid is blood, urine, bile, or septic exudate—and why it matters for treatment
- Stabilise patients with hemorrhage or electrolyte derangements, including transfusions and managing severe hyperkalemia
- Plan for surgical intervention when indicated, and communicate realistic expectations with owners

Real-life cases illustrate how quick recognition and early stabilisation can improve survival, even in severe trauma. By the end, you'll feel prepared to approach any abdominal trauma patient with a clear plan, from triage through surgery and recovery.

Stay Vigilant. Recognise Hidden Risks. Manage Complex Cases.

Polytrauma patients often look stable until they're not. This module will help you anticipate complications and respond effectively when things change fast. You'll learn how to:

- Recognise patterns of injury in road traffic accidents, falls, and severe bite wounds
- Understand the “second hit” effect—how inflammation, coagulopathy, and reperfusion injury can spiral into organ failure
- Approach decision-making around surgery timing and damage control stabilisation
- Manage acute respiratory distress syndrome, trauma-induced coagulopathy, and sepsis
- Choose fluids, analgesia, and transfusions wisely to support recovery without adding risk

Real-life cases will demonstrate how delayed problems, such as bile peritonitis or ARDS, can emerge days later and how early planning can improve outcomes. By the end, you'll feel more prepared to lead the care of complex trauma patients, anticipate pitfalls, and support their recovery step by step.

Online MCQ Exam

The exam - written by Dr Franziska Meyer based directly on the course content - can be accessed any time after you complete the course materials. You'll have two attempts to take the test, with each attempt limited to two hours. Your result will appear instantly. Score at least 70%, and you'll receive your personalised certificate signed by Dr Franziska Meyer.