Remote Damage Control Resuscitation

Abstract

Care of the traumatically injured patient must begin at the moment of injury. Hemorrhagic shock can develop quickly. Remote damage control resuscitation (RDCR) is the application of damage control resuscitation (DCR) principles of rapid control of bleeding, hypotensive resuscitation, balanced hemostatic resuscitation, avoidance of overuse of crystalloid fluids, prevention of hypothermia, and worsening acidosis, in the prehospital setting. While many of the strategies and interventions are similar to DCR, there are also unique differences that are crucial for trauma providers to familiarize themselves with. Applying therapies in the prehospital phase of resuscitation that have traditionally been associated with static medical treatment facilities requires unique implementation considerations related to resource availability, storage, administration, and transport. It is because of these differences that RDCR must be considered a distinct yet integral part of the practice and research of DCR and receive the attention it deserves.