ITACCS (International Trauma Anesthesia and Critical Care Society)

Abstract

Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care; University of Maryland Hospital and R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center; 22 South Greene Street; Baltimore, Maryland 21201James C. Eisenach, M.D., EditorURL:http://www.trauma.itaccs.comInstitutions: The International Trauma Anesthesia and Critical Care Society and the US National Chapter of ITACCSAuthor: ITACCSWebsmaster: Mark Golub (302) 266–6019The International Trauma Anesthesia and Critical Care Society (ITACCS) was founded in 1988 as a professional society to further the development of anesthesia care providers as traumatologists. ITACCS has evolved as both a scientific foundation and a professional association, now active in more than 40 countries, with more than 1,000 members. Part of the current focus is to diversify the ITACCS program to include topics that have broader appeal to other trauma specialists, including surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists.The ITACCS Web site offers extensive trauma-related information, including a description of ITACCS courses currently offered, an address list of colleagues, research opportunities, and publications available through the organization. The Web site is designed for medical personnel interested in the field of trauma. This includes anesthesiologists, surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, nurses, and nonclinical personnel, such as epidemiologists.There are currently 17 links on the ITACCS Web site, ranging in information from fellowship training opportunities to research grants and from consulting services to membership information. “Trauma Links” allow access to additional trauma resources on the Internet in the areas of surgery, critical care, and anesthesiology and offers a trauma library. Unfortunately, the anesthesiology library could not be accessed; in addition, search capabilities for trauma-related key words would be desirable. (These limitations are being addressed in updates now under way). Trauma moulage scenarios are available in which to participate. Commercial vendors can access information to allow them to subscribe to and advertise in various trauma publications. There is a complete list of 1998 ITACCS-sponsored courses, including the names of speakers, their topics, and registration/fee information. To be added to the “colleague E-mail list” of more than 1,000 names, simply send information by electronic mail to the listed coordinator. However, the on-line entry form is not active. This is an external Internet link.The ITACCS Web site is a valuable resource for anesthesiologists interested in the field of trauma. It also offers useful information to other physician specialties, nonphysicians, and nonclinical personnel interested in trauma. The site is well organized and easily accessed. It offers information and services and easily accessed. It offers information and services to persons residing in the United States, as well as international assistance.Maureen McCunn, M.D.With assistance from Christine A. Cottingham, M.S., C.C.R.N.Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care; University of Maryland Hospital and R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center; 22 South Greene Street; Baltimore, Maryland 21201