Prehospital Stabilization of Critically Injured Patients

Abstract

Prehospital resuscitation and stabilization of major trauma victims is increasingly employed. To evaluate the benefits of 1 such maneuver, fluid administration, 52 consecutive trauma cases were reviewed in which patients had a blood pressure of < 100 mm Hg either at the scene or on arrival to hospital. In all cases, transport time to hospital was less than IV establishment time. Fluid volume infused had little influence on final outcomes. A percentage of patients with correctable surgical lesions might have been salvaged had prompt transport been instituted. Field maneuvers in critically injured patients should be minimized to decrease ultimate mortality.