Chapter 15 – Disaster Medicine
Abstract Disasters often occur without any warning and may result in mass casualties that can overwhelm the capacity of local and regional healthcare systems. The etiology of disasters can be…
Chapter 13 – Pediatric Trauma
Abstract Pediatric trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Although the principles of the initial evaluation and management are the same as in adult patients, it…
Chapter 10 – Extremity Compartment Syndrome
Abstract The extremity compartment syndrome is an acute, limb, and potentially life-threatening emergency that occurs when the pressure in a muscle compartment increases to levels that cause reduced tissue perfusion…
Chapter 12 – Trauma in Pregnancy
Abstract The pregnant patient represents a double resuscitation, as there are two patients to simultaneously consider. Fetal resuscitation is dependent upon adequate maternal resuscitation and stability and ongoing monitoring of…
Chapter 5 – Abdominal Trauma
Abstract Traffic collisions, followed by falls, are by far the most common cause of severe blunt abdominal trauma. Solid organs, usually the spleen and liver, are the most commonly injured…
Chapter 14 – Geriatric Trauma
Abstract Elderly patients have limited respiratory reserve and often decompensate rapidly and unexpectedly. Liberal early endotracheal intubation should be considered. Good preoxygenation should be a priority whenever possible. Chapter 14…
Chapter 3 – Neck Injury
Abstract Neck injuries, particularly those due to penetrating trauma, are difficult to evaluate and manage due to the dense concentration of vital structures in a small anatomical space that can…
Chapter 7 – Spinal Injuries
Abstract In the US, approximately 10,000 spinal cord injuries yearly result in permanent disability. Most spinal cord injuries are caused by motor vehicle collisions (40%), violence (30%), falls (20%), and…
Chapter 6 – Musculoskeletal Injury
Abstract Orthopedic injuries are found in approximately 85% of blunt trauma victims; thus knowledge of their evaluation and treatment is important. Some of these injuries are also acutely life- or…
Chapter 4 – Thoracic Injury
Abstract Chest trauma is estimated to be the primary cause of death in 25% of traumatic mortalities and a contributing factor in another 25% of deaths. Good understanding of the…
