A computer model of major haemorrhage and resuscitation

An interactive computer model is described which uses 'blood volume deficit' and 'bleeding duration' together with rates of infusion to simulate the first two hours of haemorrhage. It allows multiple infusions of various fluids to be specified and includes an estimation of the volumes added by the transcapillary refill mechanism. The output is expressed graphically in terms of blood pressure and haematocrit at intervals of one minute. This computer model has proved useful for assessing the effects of a range of variables in hypovolaemic shock. It has considerable potential for investigating the relative efficacy of various clinical protocols and could provide an alternative to animal experimentation which has so far been the primary method of obtaining data on acute haemorrhage. It is also a useful teaching aid.