Major Trauma

A case-based guide to getting the most from pelvic binders in trauma care. This TTL tip covers preparing equipment, checking placement and tension, and reassessing the pelvis when the binder is removed.

Visible wounds can distract from injuries hidden elsewhere. This TTL tip uses a penetrating trauma case to explore commonly missed areas, examination during the primary survey and reassessment even when the patient has already been checked before hospital arrival.

An introduction to the Trauma Team Leader Tips series, edited by Simon Carley and Greg Yates. Short, practical posts draw on the team’s experience of clinical care, communication and human factors, with downloadable resources for teaching and discussion.

The FiiRST-2 randomised trial compared fibrinogen and prothrombin complex concentrate with plasma in trauma patients needing massive transfusion. No significant benefit was found.

A collection of trauma and resuscitation papers discussed at ICEM 2025 in Montreal, with summaries and critical appraisal. Topics include transfusion, oxygen strategies, paediatric cervical spine assessment, regional analgesia and emergency airway management.

A retrospective study describes emergency thoracotomy for penetrating trauma in two Cape Town district hospitals. We examine the reported outcomes, the constraints of these settings and why patient selection, timing and incomplete records matter when interpreting the results.