[Prehospital treatment of polytrauma patients by emergency physicians]

Even in the 21st century major trauma still contributes to a svere loss of life in our society. Severly injured victims benefit from prehospital care that both considers tactical and medical aims. Knowledge of major trauma care has grown over the past years. The 2011 german guidelines on multiple- and severe trauma care set a milestone for better treatment of these patients. Trauma courses do not only teach theoretical knowledge but do also train participants in skills. By putting up the new structure of german traumacenters involving certified trauma hospitals it is easier for ambulance doctors to find the best hospital for their patient. Thought has been given to nearly al organ systems and body-areas in the guidelines making them a very usefull orientation guide for prehospital care. Emergency anesthesie including intubation is a mayor issue of the new guidelines.