Choreographing trauma resuscitation in the OR

Survival rates are enhanced if severely injured trauma patients are admitted directly to the OR for resuscitation and surgical intervention. To increase the survivability and decrease the morbidity of trauma patients with penetrating trauma to the chest or abdomen, a hospital in La Jolla, Calif, developed a "direct to the OR" resuscitation program. This program substantially increased the survival rate of these trauma patients. Perioperative nurses respond to all major trauma situations and assist with surgical procedures completed in a trauma resuscitation room or in the OR.