Which patient should receive a rapid trauma survey to determine hidden injuries?

A rapid trauma survey is particularly important for patients who might have hidden injuries, especially in cases where they may not exhibit obvious signs of trauma or where the mechanism of injury suggests a risk of significant internal injury.

In the case of the alert 2-year-old child in a car seat involved in a medium-speed crash, the child's age and the nature of the incident warrant a thorough trauma assessment. Young children can have unique anatomical and physiological characteristics that make them more susceptible to injuries that might not be immediately apparent. The potential for internal injuries, especially related to the abdomen and head, is a critical concern following any vehicle collision, as children may not articulate their symptoms or respond reliably to inquiries about their condition.

In contrast, while the other patients may require evaluation, they are not in the same high-risk category for hidden injuries as the young child. The 20-year-old male and the 65-year-old female both present with specific complaints that indicate localized injuries rather than the likelihood of hidden trauma. The 11-year-old female who fell down steps may also have injuries, but the fall mechanism and alert status suggest a lower risk profile for severe hidden injuries compared to the child in a car crash. Therefore, the child should be prioritized for a rapid trauma survey