Damage Control Resuscitation In Trauma

Most preventable trauma deaths are due to uncontrolled hemorrhage.

In this article, we briefly describe the pathophysiology of the classical triad of death in trauma, namely, acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy, and then suggest damage control resuscitation strategies to prevent and/or mitigate the effects of each in the bleeding patient.

Damage control resuscitation strategies include body rewarming, restrictive fluid administration, permissive hypotension, balanced blood product administration, and the implementation of massive transfusion protocols.

Resuscitating and correcting the coagulopathy of the exsanguinating trauma patient is essential to improve chances of survival.