The didactic approach is well suited to the subject as practical guidance must be clear and definite to avoid delay in urgent treatment. The editors and many of the contributors have been strongly influenced by the Advanced Trauma Life Support Programme of the American College of Surgeons, which was introduced in Britain by the Royal College of Surgeons of England in November 1988.
The guidelines given are relevant to all medical, paramedical and nursing staff who help in the management of patients from the moment of injury to eventual discharge.
2 Initial assessment and management - 2: secondary survey.
3 The upper airway.
4 Chest injuries.
5 Hypovolaemic shock.
6 Head injuries.
7 Maxillofacial injuries.
8 Spine and spinal cord injury.
9 The abdomen.
10 The urinary tract.
11 Limb injuries.
12 Eye injuries.
13 Medical problems.
14 Radiological assessment.
15 Role of the trauma nurse.
16 Scoring systems for trauma.
17 Handling distressed relatives and breaking bad news.
18 Trauma in pregnancy.
19 Paediatric trauma.
20 Trauma in the elderly.
21 Pre-hospital care.
22 Transfer of the trauma patient.
23 Management of severe burns.
24 Chemical incidents.
25 Blast and gunshot injuries.
26 Trauma in hostile environments.
27 Psychological trauma.
28 Major incidents