What is the first-line medication for moderate to severe pain in trauma patients?

Morphine or fentanyl are commonly used as first-line medications for managing moderate to severe pain in trauma patients due to their effectiveness as potent analgesics. These opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system, which inhibits pain transmission and provides significant pain relief. This is particularly important in trauma scenarios, where injury-induced discomfort can be severe and needs prompt management to improve the patient's overall comfort and stability.

While other medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are useful for pain relief, they are generally more suitable for mild to moderate pain and may not provide adequate relief for severe pain associated with trauma injuries. Additionally, aspirin and ibuprofen can have side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, and may not be appropriate in certain trauma cases, especially where there is a concern for internal bleeding. Acetaminophen is also less effective for severe pain and has a different mechanism that doesn't address the types of pain often encountered in traumatic injuries. Therefore, morphine or fentanyl stands out as the appropriate choice for effective pain management in this context.