Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Ensure Exam Success!

The main priority in the initial assessment of a trauma patient is ensuring airway patency. This is critical because a compromised airway can lead to inadequate oxygenation and, ultimately, can be life-threatening if not immediately addressed. In trauma situations, patients may have obstacles such as blood, vomit, or facial injuries that can obstruct the airway. Therefore, securing the airway is vital to allow for effective ventilation and oxygen delivery, which are essential for survival.

While assessing for external bleeding and performing a detailed neurological examination are important components of the overall trauma assessment, they come after addressing the airway in the hierarchy of priorities. Ensuring that the patient can breathe effectively is the first step in the assessment process. Administering pain relief is also important, but it should not take precedence over securing the airway or ensuring that the patient can oxygenate properly.