Prehospital Stabilization of Critically Injured Patients

A Failed Concept

Abstract

Prehospital resuscitation and stabilization of major trauma victims is increasingly employed. To evaluate the benefits of one such maneuver, fluid administration, we reviewed 52 consecutive trauma cases in which patients had a blood pressure of less than 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.