Medical management of the trapped patient

This article deals with some of the unique problems encountered when people, injured in road traffic or industrial accidents, are trapped as a result of the accident. Mining accidents are specifically excluded because I have no personal experience of them and also because they occur in circumscribed conditions which the average practitioner does not encounter. Dealing with trapped and seriously injured patients is a very harrowing experience for all concerned, and it is as well to examine factors which contribute to this as it is the doctor who can introduce a measure of calm into these situations.