Resuscitation following injury: an end or a means?

It is known that a successful outcome after injury requires haemostasis and replacement of intra- and extracellular fluid losses. In situations of controlled haemorrhage rapid replacement of these fluid losses is likely to be associated with the least morbidity. When considering uncontrolled haemorrhage, however, there is good evidence that effective resuscitative devices and strategies have proven to be associated with a worse outcome when used initially than when their use follows surgical control of bleeding. Despite newer developments in resuscitative technique, surgeons must continue to be involved in the early management of the severely injured so that they are in the best position to employ their skills and provide surgical haemostasis when and where it is required. The 'end' therefore in resuscitation of the injured is a normovolaemic, normotensive patient who is physiologically stable and able to have definitive management of his/her anatomic injuries. The 'means' are good prehospital care, accurate initial assessment and resuscitation that employs temporary and definitive haemostasis combined with adequate volumes of appropriately chosen and delivered resuscitation fluid.