The use of midazolam in trauma resuscitation

Experience with the use of midazolam in the resuscitation of severely injured patients is described. All 33 patients included in the study were given midazolam to allow endotracheal intubation and/or positive pressure ventilation in the resuscitation room, prior to transfer to the operating theatre or intensive care unit. Those with possible head injury were subjected to computed tomography of the head once stabilized. Adjuvant analgesia with an intravenous opiate was required in less than 40% of patients, and the amnesic properties of midazolam were found to be excellent. Cardiorespiratory side effects were not seen. Midazolam was found to be a safe and viable alternative to muscle relaxants, allowing endotracheal intubation and ventilation, in addition to other invasive procedures, to be carried out with minimal distress to the patient.