Trauma Rules 2 Incorporating Military Trauma Rules

Abstract

This short, but important, text provides a succinct and systematic approach to management of the seriously injured patient. It takes a novel approach, as stated in the first edition published in 1997. In the preface, the editors write: ‘Learning should be fun, and this book is designed to be fun to read’. The editors have most certainly succeeded in this ambition. The text is unusual in layout and style. The editors and authors make use of short and imperative sentences, perhaps exposing the military background of the principal authors! The editors and authors are highly experienced and are accepted experts in their field. This gives the work an authoritative edge. The 70 rules are presented in an engaging and easily readable style. An evidence base is presented for each rule, where such evidence exists. The new edition includes rules for managing military trauma - so appropriate in the current world climate. For example, rules 2 and 3 describe the unique pathophysiology and austerity associated with military injury and will better inform civilian colleagues managing terrorist injury at home or when they deploy with humanitarian aid agencies to conflict environments. The work is divided into sections laid out chronologically, covering the period before patient arrival, the general approach to the trauma patient, initial assessment and resuscitation, and concluding with rules covering investigation and definitive care. A common approach for each rule is used and each rule is numbered. The reason for the rule is succinctly described; there follows a list of exceptions, if any exist. Diagrams, tables and clinical photographs are used to reinforce rules where appropriate. The work is short and easy to read. The entire work could be read in full at one sitting but can be delved into piecemeal on a case-bycase basis. A very small bit of nitpicking: rule 54 states ‘a tension pneumothorax cannot be diagnosed on a chest X-ray’. Perhaps that should read ‘a tension pneumothorax should not be diagnosed on a chest X-ray – the diagnosis is clinical’. This book succeeds in its stated aims. It provides a useful book for the pocket of those working in emergency rooms or in the field setting of a war or natural disaster.