<p>Effective assessment is the key to correct treatment. If patients or situations are inadequately assessed, the conclusions drawn are likely to be wrong and the treatment or response may not be appropriate. Most of the wounds seen in AE will be termed minor trauma wounds, although they may not be minor to the patient. The following principles, however, can be applied to all wounds once a primary assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation has been earned out (1).</p>