Trauma and burns mnemonic

Life-threatening thoracic injuries found in the primary survey

The mnemonic

ATOM FC

What each word stands for

  • AAirway obstruction
  • TTension pneumothorax
  • OOpen pneumothorax
  • MMassive haemothorax
  • FFlail chest
  • CCardiac tamponade

Why it matters clinically

These need immediate treatment in the primary survey; others like contusion or aortic injury are secondary.

Where it stops being reliable

Some versions use different letter assignments and the list is not exhaustive.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Trauma and burns mnemonic?

ATOM FC. It helps you recall: Life-threatening thoracic injuries found in the primary survey.

What does "A" stand for?

Airway obstruction

What does "T" stand for?

Tension pneumothorax

What does "O" stand for?

Open pneumothorax

What are all the parts of the ATOM FC mnemonic?

A: Airway obstruction; T: Tension pneumothorax; O: Open pneumothorax; M: Massive haemothorax; F: Flail chest; C: Cardiac tamponade.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Trauma and burns in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Some versions use different letter assignments and the list is not exhaustive.

How is this useful clinically?

These need immediate treatment in the primary survey; others like contusion or aortic injury are secondary.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Trauma and burns.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.