[Facial injuries in mass catastrophes, principles of differentiated treatment]

Even in peace time mass injuries may occur where a large number of people suffer facial injuries. Doctors, paramedical workers as well as the lay public should possess the right type of information and know how to give first aid. Only well trained workers can cope with pretentious classification, ensure life saving operations, i.e. arrest massive haemorrhage immediately, restore the patency of the airways, ensure rapid but safe transport to health institutions where the majority of casualties can obtain skilled treatment. There resuscitation with replacement of blood losses must proceed as prevention of shock. Treatment of severe facial injuries has some special features to which the author draws attention.