ATLS teaches one, safe way of
evaluating and treating the multiply injured patient in the first hour
from injury.
The primary survey addresses
life-threatening injuries associated primarily with airway, breathing
and circulation and treating those injuries as they are identified.
The secondary survey is a
head-to-toe assessment of the patient, again treating injuries as they
are identified.
The patient is continually
reassessed during each step to evaluate treatment and to identify lesser
injuries.