Resuscitation of the Traumatically Injured Patient

Trauma is a leading cause of death. Optimal outcomes depend on a coordinated effort. Providers must be prepared to act in an organized and methodical manner. Recognizing and immediately treating causes of shock after trauma offer the best chance of survival to the patient. Incorporating evidence-based knowledge and resuscitation techniques learned from the military, the trauma victim experiencing acute hypovolemia has better outcomes because of advances in the clinical management of blood loss than ever before. Treatment focuses primarily on stopping the bleeding, providing damage control resuscitation, and monitoring and treating the patient for signs of shock. If the patient can be stabilized and avoid the lethal trauma triad, definitive surgical care can be achieved.