How it's calculated
GCS, systolic BP, and respiratory rate are each converted to a coded value from 0 (worst) to 4 (best), then combined in a weighted sum.
Coded values
| Code | GCS | Systolic BP (mmHg) | Respiratory rate (/min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 13–15 | >89 | 10–29 |
| 3 | 9–12 | 76–89 | >29 |
| 2 | 6–8 | 50–75 | 6–9 |
| 1 | 4–5 | 1–49 | 1–5 |
| 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Clinical use
- The weighted RTS (0–7.84) is used mainly for outcome prediction, including as an input into the TRISS (Trauma and Injury Severity Score) methodology used in trauma registries.
- A simpler unweighted "Triage RTS" — the plain sum of the three coded values (0–12), without the multipliers — is used for rapid field triage decisions rather than outcome prediction.
- Lower RTS values indicate more severe physiological derangement and correlate with higher mortality risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Revised Trauma Score used for?
RTS combines GCS, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate into a single physiological severity score, used both for field triage (unweighted Triage RTS) and outcome prediction in trauma registries (weighted RTS, e.g. within TRISS).
What is the difference between RTS and Triage RTS?
Triage RTS is the simple unweighted sum of the three coded values (range 0-12), used for rapid field triage. The weighted RTS applies specific multipliers to each coded value (range 0-7.84) and is used for outcome/mortality prediction rather than field triage.
Does a low RTS always mean the patient needs a trauma centre?
A low RTS strongly suggests significant physiological derangement and supports transfer to a trauma centre, but field triage protocols typically combine RTS with anatomic injury criteria and mechanism of injury rather than using RTS alone.
References
- Champion HR, et al. A revision of the Trauma Score. J Trauma. 1989;29:623-629.
- Boyd CR, Tolson MA, Copes WS. Evaluating trauma care: the TRISS method. J Trauma. 1987;27:370-378.