What is the primary goal when treating a patient with crush injury?

The primary goal when treating a patient with a crush injury is to minimize pain. Pain management is a critical component in the initial assessment and treatment of injuries because it can significantly impact the patient's overall experience and can also serve as an important indicator of the severity of the injury. By addressing and managing pain effectively, you can help stabilize the patient emotionally and physically, making it easier to carry out further assessments and interventions.

While aspects such as reassessing circulation, reducing swelling, and preventing infection are important in the overall management of injuries, initially minimizing pain takes precedence as it directly affects the patient's comfort and can influence their physiological response. Managing pain also allows for a clearer assessment of the patient's injuries, as excessive pain can mask other symptoms and complicate further evaluation and treatment.