In ATLS protocol, what is the first priority in management?

In ATLS protocol, what is the first priority in management?

• A. Secure airway with cervical spine protection
• B. Control external bleeding
• C. IV access
• D. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST)

Answer: (A)

The first thing to address in ATLS is securing the airway with protection of the cervical spine. In trauma, a compromised airway can lead to hypoxia and rapid deterioration, so ensuring a clean, protected airway is the immediate life-threat that must be stabilized before anything else. Because a cervical spine injury is common in high‑energy trauma, airway management must be performed with inline stabilization to prevent further spinal damage during intubation or ventilation. Once the airway is secured, you can then move on to breathing and circulation, including providing ventilation, controlling hemorrhage, and establishing IV access. FAST and other diagnostics come after the airway and breathing have been addressed, because without a secure airway the patient cannot be adequately resuscitated or assessed.

The first thing to address in ATLS is securing the airway with protection of the cervical spine. In trauma, a compromised airway can lead to hypoxia and rapid deterioration, so ensuring a clean, protected airway is the immediate life-threat that must be stabilized before anything else. Because a cervical spine injury is common in high‑energy trauma, airway management must be performed with inline stabilization to prevent further spinal damage during intubation or ventilation. Once the airway is secured, you can then move on to breathing and circulation, including providing ventilation, controlling hemorrhage, and establishing IV access. FAST and other diagnostics come after the airway and breathing have been addressed, because without a secure airway the patient cannot be adequately resuscitated or assessed.