EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES AND PRIMARY ASSESSMENT IN PRE-HOSPITAL CARE: IMPACT ON SURVIVAL IN TRAUMA CASES

Abstract

Pre-hospital care for trauma victims represents a crucial area of emergency medicine, with a direct impact on reducing mortality and improving patient prognosis. This article reviewed current practices related to pre-hospital stabilization, with an emphasis on protecting the spine, and primary assessment, which are fundamental stages in the initial management of polytraumatized patients. Through an integrative literature review, articles published between 2020 and 2024 were analyzed in the SciELO, PubMed and ResearchGate databases, prioritizing studies that address protocols and scientific evidence relevant to emergency care. The results show that pre-hospital stabilization reduces complications, while effective primary assessment is associated with better clinical outcomes. The implementation of up-to-date evidence-based protocols is crucial to guide the identification and immediate treatment of critical injuries and conditions. Continuous training of healthcare professionals also plays a central role, especially given the need for rapid decisions in high-pressure situations. In addition, practices such as immediate intervention in vital functions and patient stratification have been identified as determining factors in minimizing morbidity and mortality. The review concludes that success in pre-hospital care depends on a systematic and rapid approach, combined with constant training and adherence to modern protocols. Continuous improvement in professional training and the application of evidence-based practices are indispensable for promoting safety and effectiveness in the management of trauma victims. This study therefore reinforces the importance of investing in education and research to optimize clinical outcomes and improve the quality of emergency care.