Handover

There are two well known handover aides, SBAR and ATMIST, however everyone will find something that works for them. Whether it’s writing out your handover on the back of a strip of ECG paper or documenting it on your glove, or somewhere on your paperwork, the key thing is to be prepared. Prepare a strong handover that is concise and includes relevant history, any findings, interventions and medications with timings.

Not every incident requires a full trauma team listening in, however every patient and handover should be treated with equal importance.

Never be afraid to speak up if you feel your handover isn’t being listened to or treated seriously.

SBAR

Situation

What is happening with your patient.

I.e. “We have a 25 yom with head and neck injuries, we are concerned about …”

Keep it brief, factual and concise.

Background

History of events that lead to onset of illness or injury.

Assessment

Your findings from assessing the patient, top to toe/secondary survey.

I.e “patient has an isolated head injury with periorbital ecimosis and battle signs present, reduced GCS. Immobilised as unable to clear c-spine, chest was clear, with good air entry and equal rise and fall, abdomen was soft with no obvious tenderness, masses, swelling. Pelvic binder applied at 00:00 based on hx of events leading to injury, no obvious lower or upper limb injuries”

Recommendation or Treatment

Any recommendation i.e. CT, X-Ray, Bloods, Transfusion etc.

Or if you don’t feel comfortable providing recommendations change the R to T and detail treatment/intervention given prior to arrival at hospital.