Manejo Inicial de Pacientes Politraumatizados en Accidente de Tránsito

The initial management of polytraumatized patients represents a critical stage in prehospital care, as the first clinical decisions largely determine the patient's prognosis and survival. In the province of Esmeraldas, where traffic accidents are a frequent cause of emergencies, the response capacity of emergency medical personnel becomes particularly relevant. This study aims to analyze the actions performed by emergency care providers in the immediate management of polytrauma victims, identifying the protocols used, available resources, and the main obstacles faced during their work. Through a qualitative-descriptive methodology and the use of interviews and surveys with healthcare professionals involved in emergency services, multiple structural challenges were identified, including lack of medical equipment, limited training in trauma protocols, and poor coordination between emergency response institutions. Nonetheless, good practices were observed, particularly in teams trained in programs such as PHTLS or ITLS.