This can vary by institution and by the severity of the anticipated trauma (Code 1 or 2, etc), but I have an tried to include all the potential participants. Please note, all members of the team are crucial to an effective and timely resuscitation.

Roles and Responsibilities

- Team leader- directs/ coordinate the trauma resuscitation. Typically stands at the foot of the bed so they can see the whole picture. Assist when advanced procedures are indicated, such as resuscitative thoracotomy. This role can be filled by a member of the surgery or emergency medicine team (chief resident).

- Primary examining provider- performs primary/ secondary survey. Perform interventions including chest tubes, central lines. This role can be filled by a member of the surgery team or emergency medicine team (intern, resident, APP).

- Airway- this role can be filled by a member of the emergency medicine team (senior resident) or anesthesia (CRNA, anesthesiologist).

- Nursing- establish intravenous access, draw blood for labs, place monitors, administer medication, place foley catheter.

- Writer/ scribe- creates chronological record of interventions (medication, procedures), exam findings announced by the examining physician.

- Respiratory therapist- assist with establishing mechanical ventilation if needed.

- Radiology technician- assists with obtaining rapid portable images.

Other team members

- Trauma attending- support the trauma chief, ultimately in charge of critical decisions such as proceeding to the operating room.

- Trauma/ ACS fellow- functions as junior faculty, training to fill the role of trauma attending.

- Emergency Medicine attending- support the emergency medicine residents, whichever role they are filling (airway, team leader, procedures, FAST).